A basket is containers made by man with a handle. It may not have a handle. A basket is usually constructed by hand, while some are manufactured by machine. Either way, the basket itself is the vessel to carry foodstuffs, finished goods, or both. The container holds the goods or their contents.
Baskets come in many shapes and sizes. They may be basket-like, but they may also be long thin streamers and more square or rectangular shaped. Basket-making was not an exclusive occupation of women until the 19th century. Before that time, baskets were predominantly used to carry fruit. Baskets may be hand crafted, made by machines, or manufactured by a combination of the two.
In recent history, many baskets have been designed specifically for different uses. One of the earliest examples is the basket-order. These are small baskets filled with a variety of goods that can be delivered to an individual by a car manufacturer. Automobile manufacturers made their own basket-orders with a purpose of shipping their wares via train from manufacturer’s plants all over the country.
Another type of baskets, called wagon-baskets, were used by wagon drivers. These baskets were often provided with a handle, and the material used to make them was wicker. Car basket makers still make car basket-making products today, as car manufacturers still prefer them for the convenience of their customers.
The style of wicker basket makers in the Pacific Northwest have changed a lot over the years. Traditionally, the wicker basket had a handle on one end and a rope on the other. Baskets were usually hung from these handles. Nowadays, most baskets come equipped with wheels (which allow for easier movement) and are hung from other types of holders.
The styles of wicker basket making that can be found in America’s northwest coast communities are quite varied. Some of the most popular basketry materials include natural fibers such as wicker, rattan, silk, and wood. There is also basketry made out of metals like iron and aluminum, and even out of plastics. Basketry is a great way for individuals and businesses to show their creativity, since most types of baskets produced today are quite beautiful.
When the Native Americans first gathered berries and other fruits and nuts, they would wrap their food in these natural fibers in special baskets. The baskets are called “baskets” today, even though there was never a basket known as such by the early settlers of the Americas. Wicker baskets or basketry are also commonly used in Indian religious ceremonies. Today, these baskets are very popular gifts to give to friends and family celebrating a special milestone, such as retirement or a wedding. It can also be a wonderful gift for a friend celebrating an accomplishment such as an advanced degree.
Today’s woven baskets still have a basket-like shape, but most are hollowed out so they can carry small gifts or pieces of clothing for the wearer. There are two basic types of basket weave: flat-weave and round-weave. Flat-weave baskets are the more common of the two, and these are often referred to as “spokes”. Round-weave baskets have four “sided spokes”, while flat-weave baskets have six sides.
Today, basketry is used in a variety of gift and decorative crafts, from Native American jewelry and blankets to African masks and baskets. Basketry is also woven into many tapestries and bedding items. Some Native American tribes, including the Tarahumara, rely on basket weaving as part of their spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Many Native American tribes view the use of baskets and other hand-woven fiber products as a way to honor the spirits of ancestors who have passed on.