basketry

Basketry is the craft of weaving pliable plant fibers to create baskets and related containers and structures. It is one of the oldest crafts practiced by humans and appears in virtually every culture. Baskets serve storage, transport, cooking, and ceremonial purposes, and can be functional or decorative.

Materials used in basketry include natural fibers such as willow, reed, rattan, cane, rush, grass, bark, and bamboo. In modern practices, synthetic fibers and paper-treated fibers are also used. Techniques fall into several families, including weaving (weft around warp), twining, coiling, and plaiting. The construction often features rims, handles, and lids, with patterns arising from color, texture, and technique.

Across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, basketry encompasses a wide range of forms—from utilitarian containers and cooking vessels to ceremonial objects and contemporary art. Regional styles preserve distinct methods, materials, and motifs, with communities often passing designs and skills through generations. The diversity of basketry reflects available resources, environmental conditions, and cultural meanings attached to colors and shapes.

Today basketry remains a living craft in many regions. Artisans combine traditional techniques with new fibers and tools, supporting design-oriented and sustainable crafts economies. Museums and conservators study and preserve historic baskets, while education and fairs help keep techniques alive for future makers.