cestos

Cestos is the plural form of cesto in Spanish and Portuguese and refers to baskets, which are containers woven or braided from flexible plant fibers to form a hollow vessel used to carry or store items. In English, the term basket is used, and cesto or cestos appears in Iberian-language contexts to denote such objects.

Most cestos are made from plant fibers such as cane, rattan, reed, willow, bamboo, palm, or straw, though synthetic fibers are also used. Construction techniques include weaving (interlacing strands in a pattern), twining (two or more strands wrapped around a core), and coiling (spiraling stitches that build up the walls). Shapes are typically round, oval, or rectangular, and many baskets include handles or lids. Sizes range from small sewing or fruit baskets to large market or laundry baskets.

Uses and types: Cestos serve for carrying goods to markets, storing food or tools, holding laundry, or serving as decorative containers. They can be plain or embellished with dyed fibers, patterns, or fabric linings. Distinct regional styles reflect local materials and weaving traditions.

History and cultural significance: Basketry is one of the oldest crafts in many parts of the world, and cestos have been produced by numerous cultures for everyday use as well as ceremonial purposes. Today they are valued for sustainability, portability, and aesthetics, and are produced as artisanal crafts or mass-produced items for household or commercial use.