Govinda Johnson
Indian American Basket Weaving
Basket weaving is an inherit part of the Indian American culture and traditions, particularly of the natives of the North Western regions. They were used for many important purposes as part of their daily lives. Babies were carried in them, food was collected and prepared in them and they were used as gift baskets for ceremonial purposes.
Basket weaving is an inherit part of the Indian American culture and traditions, particularly of the natives of the North Western regions. They were used for many important purposes as part of their daily lives. Babies were carried in them, food was collected and prepared in them and they were used as gift baskets for ceremonial purposes.
Basket weaving is one of the oldest know crafts forms of Native America, with some ancient baskets being dated as nearly 8000 years old. Different tribes had their own distinct designs and styles. The materials used for the basket weaving varied from tribe to tribe due to different geographical locations. Some materials used included braided sweetgrass, bundled pine needles, cedar bark and swamp grass. These materials, once harvested, were aged so that they would remain straight. When the weaver was ready to begin, the material was soaked in water and given the final trimmings. 
The four basic weaving techniques are plating, wicker, twining and coiling. Each of the basic weaves has many variations and more than one technique can be used on a basket. These baskets where decorated with clam shell beads and exotic feathers. The American Indians brought colour to their baskets by using natural dyes from the world around them. 
Collecting of these traditions baskets has seen a new demand for them, encouraging the Indian American weavers to continue with this ancient art form.
This is a famous south western pattern used on baskets which was of great significance to them. It represents a life lived following the Creator’s instructions. If followed, you cannot get lost.
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