Traditional Baskets Versus Modern Day Basket Weaving
Basket weaving has been around for thousands of years and dates back to at least 5000 BC and in some aspects it is becoming a lost art. Hand woven baskets are higher quality, standing up to the test of time. Basket weaving was one of the very first crafts created and done mostly by women to hold household items without breaking. While the traditional baskets have not changed too much, what have changed are the reasons for its use and the selling to commercial markets.
Flat reeds, hardwood reeds, willow, rattan, cane, sea grass or wicker is used in weaving the traditional basket. Traditional woven baskets have the four corners. Both modern day and traditional basket weaving incorporates twining, crocheting, macram, weaving and coiling. Others may utilize fibers and grasses. Some people utilize materials into their patterns such as lace.
The tools in which basket makers used traditionally were bone awl, a stone knife, a shell or stone to polish. Fingers, fingernails and teeth were used. Basket weavers hunted around the earth for the materials needed. Women used flowers, grasses and beans to dye the basket colors. Modern basket weavers use more modern tools such as knives and commercial dyes.