Southwest Decorating with Native American Baskets

A great way to add authentic southwest style to your home is by using handmade Native American baskets in your decor. Some of the most beautiful baskets are those made by the Tarahumara Indians of the northern part of Mexico.

Southwest baskets are used for many purposes in a traditional Tarahumara household. Because the floors of most Tarahumara homes are dirt, native baskets help keep food and personal items clean and in order.

The two types of woven baskets generally made by the Tarahumara are the yucca and pine needle baskets. The yucca or sotol basket is the most common. Yucca baskets are made in a variety of shapes and sizes and are very sturdy. They are used regularly throughout the household to hold items.

In the mountain country, the guari basket is the most commonly found yucca basket. These baskets are usually a single weave, and are round at the top and somewhat square, with four distinct corners, at the bottom. Because the guari basket is often quite bulky, they are sometimes made in graduating sizes so they may be nested.

Pine needle baskets are the second type of basket generally made by the Tarahumara. Petaca baskets are small, delicate, pine needle baskets, traditional to the canyon regions. It is round in shape, and frequently double woven. These pine needle baskets are most commonly found in the higher elevations where pine trees are prevalent.

Tarahumara baskets are all made by twill plaiting, which results in a diagonal design. The basket maker uses only her hands and teeth to fashion the basket, although the leaves are sometimes run across a stone to dull their sharp edges before they are worked.

If you are looking for a great way to add authentic southwest charm to your home, consider using Native American baskets to add to your decor. Try placing a beautiful southwestern basket on a shelf or table in the living room, or using it as a centerpiece for dried flowers. The options are endless.

See our entire collection of Native American baskets here.