basket

A basket is a container traditionally woven from flexible plant fibers or other materials. Baskets are usually round or oval and often have a handle or rim; they are designed to be carried, stored, or used for gathering. The form and weave determine strength, capacity, and flexibility.

Common materials include willow, reed, rattan, bamboo, grasses, and root fibers, as well as modern synthetic fibers. Techniques vary: wicker-style weaving with a frame, plain weave using over-under patterns (weft and warp), coiling, or twining. Finishes may be dyed or left natural.

Types range from market and laundry baskets to picnic baskets, harvest baskets, fishing creels, hampers, and decorative containers. Some baskets have lids or built-in bases for stability; others are open-topped for sorting or display.

Basketry is one of the oldest crafts. Evidence of woven baskets appears in many regions dating back thousands of years. Across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas, basketry reflects local plants, techniques, and motifs, and remains a living tradition in many communities.

In modern use, baskets serve as practical everyday containers, storage solutions, and eco-friendly packaging, as well as objects of art and design. They are produced for household use, commercial markets, and cultural or decorative purposes, and continue to evolve with new materials and techniques.