Indian baskets have been part of Native American culture for many years. I love using these unique baskets to bring southwest style to my home. It is interesting when you start reading the history of Native American basket weaving and find that the use of baskets actually started hundreds of years ago and is one of the oldest forms of art known in Indigenous history. Indian baskets, weaved by Tribes like the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their detailed, handmade designs and intricate styles. As you read about basket weaving, you will see that in many Native American Tribes, women are the ones in charge of basket weaving and learn as little girls from their mothers. Baskets are used for many things in the daily lives of the Native Indians and are a source of economic survival for the people.
As you will see, Indian baskets not only work well as pieces of rustic decor, but they are also very functional. In the beginning, baskets were weaved by Native Americans as a way to protect valuable items like food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. Years ago, Tribes moved frequently and had to design ways to keep their things safe while still being able to move them quickly. Unlike pottery, baskets were resistant and would not break. Today, Tribes still use baskets in their households and dwellings to keep their items clean and organized. They also serve as a way for many Native Americans to make a living, and play a vital role in Indian events and rituals, such as Navajo wedding ceremonies, and in rights of passage ceremonies.
There are different types of Native baskets and each Tribe has different designs. Southwest style, Native Indian baskets are some of the most sought-after in the world and are considered a true form of art. The way these baskets are made is truly incredible and is very thrilling to watch. The two types of baskets that this Tribe makes are the yucca or sotol as it is also known, and baskets made of pine needles. Baskets made of Yucca are very popular and are woven in different patterns and sizes. Pine baskets are more popular in the mountains where pine trees grow, but are smaller than the yucca baskets and not as durable.
There are many types of weaving styles Indian Tribes use to make baskets that differ between Tribes. The guari type, the most commonly used weave among the Tarahumara in the Northern Mexican mountain country, is round at the top, somewhat square, and has four distinct corners at the bottom. The petaca is another type of weave used traditionally in the canyon regions, and is round and often double woven. Sometimes the leaves are run across a stone to smooth the sharp edges before the basket is made.
Native baskets come in many different styles, designs and colors based on the Tribe and the region where it is made. Even if you are not able to see basket weaving first-hand and select a unique basket of your own, you can still enjoy a piece of this American Indian form of art. It is easy to buy southwestern style baskets online and in stores that sell unique, rustic and country style interior decorating accessories. Bring Indigenous traditions to life in your home by decorating with one of a kind, handmade Indian baskets.
Filed under: Indian baskets | Tagged: american indian, baskets, home decorating, Indian baskets, interior design, native, native american, rustic, southwest, southwestern
