The Weaving Of Native American Baskets

The art of Native American basket weaving is well known by Native Americans. In every tribe, you can see innovation as well as very traditional methods. Throughout the generations, they have shown their talent by creating unique and practical baskets in amazing designs. Basket weaving has a very distinct and unique style that varies from tribe to tribe and is thought of as one of the oldest crafts done by Native Americans. Some baskets from the southwest have been recorded to be 8000 years old by archaeologists. As seen in the various kinds of materials used, the diversity of tribes has given way to very distinct and unique styles. There are also numerous techniques for weaving, shaping the baskets and a number of patterns created. Native American baskets in the northeast use pounded ash splints and braided sweet grass in their basket making. For the Cherokee Indians, they make their baskets out of bundled pine needles or river cane wicker.

In the southwest, coiled sumac as well as willow wood are the materials of choice. In the northeast, cedar bark spruce root and swamp grass are used. One thing that is very prominent in all areas is the uniqueness of the baskets no matter what kind of materials are used. Using available materials, distinct styles, shapes and designs are created. They adapted their own weaving styles with new materials, giving way to a new form or style of basket when they were moved to new areas of the country. The distinct styles from ancient times have been preserved and are still very evident today as seen through the generations and passing down of knowledge. Incredible is the word that best describes hand crafted Native American baskets. The design and craftsmanship are extremely pretty.The materials and colors appeal to the natural properties of the materials and the patterns are very distinct to Native American traditions. These are extremely beautiful and make wonderful accent pieces for home decor as well as owning a piece of Native American history. 

The intricate handwork of Native American artisans is stunning. Hand woven baskets are normally quite costly. It seems that the older the basket, the more costly as seen with most antique items. There are some baskets which are not put up for sale and are placed on display in museums. These Native American museums offer insight to the historical significance and importance these baskets played among Native American people throughout time. These woven works of art have a unique story. Great significance is manifested with each color change or design pattern difference. These historical baskets should be studied and admired for their ability to share secrets of long ago with mankind. See our Native American Baskets gallery.

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