The Mystery Item

We are consulting experts on this item but let us know if you (1) have any idea what it is or (2) are interested in it. 
 
Antique Pine Fruit Crib or Grain Sifter? This item has vexed us for years and Google is only hinting at what it could have been, mostly in Swedish!
 
We believe the structure to be made of one strip of finely sanded pine, bent into place with ‘twine’ stitches securing the two ends. The ‘netting’ twine could be leather-like or cat gut threaded through the sides. The legs are attached with the same twine and small pegs. The handles are stitched in place, with what appear to be little pieces of wood to secure them. While the stringing looks very old, the exterior of the basket, a bent piece of wood, does not.
 
H 3 ½” in the middle to 4” on one end 3 7/8” on the other end.
L 15 ¼” x D 8 7/8”
7 oz
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.