Basketry
What: Pliable materials are used to form baskets or other similar products.
Materials: wood, grass, animal hair, straw, plant stems, reeds
History: Baskets were first used for trading and religious ceremonies in Indigenous tribes. While some baskets have been dated as far back as 12,000 years, the natural decaying process of materials like wood and grass makes it difficult to gain information about the craft’s past. From the Industrial Revolution to the World Wars, baskets have served as packaging containers in factories, fashionable furniture, transportation for messenger pigeons and even to supply food to soldiers.
Four Types:
1. Coiled – Materials include grasses and flowery plants
2. Plaiting – Materials are wide, such as yucca or palm leaves. The technique creates a checkered appearance
3. Twining – Technique where materials are woven to create a multilayered spoke design. Tough materials like tree bark and roots are used.
4. Wicker – Materials include reeds, ash and willow.
Above: Hand-Woven Straw Basket by Petty Shepard
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