| Indian baskets have been part of Native | | | | world and are regarded as a true art form. |
| American culture for many years. I enjoy | | | | The making of these baskets is truly |
| using these hand-made baskets to bring | | | | incredible and is very thrilling to watch. |
| southwest style to my home. It is interesting | | | | There are generally two types of woven |
| when you start studying the history of Indian | | | | baskets that this Tribe makes yucca or sotol |
| basket weaving and find that basket use | | | | as it is also called, and baskets made of |
| actually started centuries ago and is one of | | | | pine needles. Baskets made of Yucca are very |
| the oldest forms of art known in North | | | | well-known and are woven in a variety of |
| American history. Indian baskets, weaved by | | | | patterns and sizes. Pine baskets are more |
| Tribes such as the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and | | | | common in the mountains where pine trees are |
| Tarahumara are famous for their beautiful, | | | | prevalent, but are smaller than the yucca |
| hand-crafted designs and elaborate styles. As | | | | baskets and are more fragile. There are |
| you learn about basket making, you will find | | | | different types of weaving styles Indigenous |
| that in many Native American Tribes, women | | | | people use in basket making that differ |
| are the ones in charge of basket weaving and | | | | between Tribes. The guari type, the most |
| learn the art as little girls from their | | | | popular weave among the Tarahumara in the |
| mothers. Baskets are used for many purposes | | | | mountain region of Northern Mexico, is |
| in the daily lives of the Native Indians and | | | | rounded on the top, somewhat square, and has |
| are a source of economic survival for the | | | | four distinct corners on the bottom. The |
| people. As you will learn, Indian baskets not | | | | petaca is another style of weave used |
| only work well as pieces of rustic decor, but | | | | generally in the canyon regions, and is round |
| they are also very useful. In the beginning, | | | | and often double woven. Sometimes the leaves |
| baskets were made out of necessity by Native | | | | are run back and forth on a rough stone to |
| people as a way to protect valued things such | | | | smooth the sharp edges before the basket is |
| as food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and | | | | started. Native baskets come in many |
| even water. Hundreds of years ago, Native | | | | different types, patterns and colors |
| American Tribes moved often and needed ways | | | | depending on the Tribe and the place where it |
| to protect their things while still being | | | | is made. Even if you are not able to see |
| able to carry them easily. Unlike clay pots, | | | | basket weaving first-hand and choose an |
| baskets were long-lasting and would not | | | | Indian basket of your own, you can still have |
| break. These days, Tribes still use baskets | | | | a piece of this Native art form. It is easy |
| in their households and dwellings to keep | | | | to buy southwest style baskets online and in |
| their items clean and organized. They also | | | | stores that sell chic, genuine style home |
| serve as a means of income for many Native | | | | decorating accessories. Bring American Indian |
| American families, and play an important part | | | | culture to life in your home by decorating |
| in Indian events and tribal rituals, such as | | | | with beautiful, hand-crafted Indian baskets. |
| wedding ceremonies, and in rights of passage | | | | |
| ceremonies. There are many types of Indian | | | | Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del |
| baskets and each Tribe has different styles | | | | Rey and offers free information online about |
| of basket making. Southwest style, Indian | | | | choosing Indian baskets for rustic style |
| baskets are some of the most exquisite in the | | | | decorating. |