Origins and centres of development
Something about the prehistoric origins of basketry can be assumed from archaeological evidence. The evidence that does exist from Neolithic times onward has been preserved because of conditions of extreme dryness (Egypt, Peru, southern Spain) or extreme humidity (peat bogs in northern Europe, lake dwellings in Switzerland); because it had been buried in volcanic ash (Oregon); or because, like the mats at Jarmo, it left impressions in the mud or on a pottery base that had originally been molded onto a basketry foundation. More recently, when written and pictorial documentation is available, an activity as humble and banal as basketry is not systematically described but appears only by chance in narratives, inventories, or pictures in which basketry objects figure as accessories.
On the evidence available, researchers have concluded that the salient characteristics of basketry are the same today as they were before the 3rd millennium bce. Then, as now, there was a wide variety of types (and a wide distribution of most types): coiled basketry either spiral or sewed, including furcate and sewed braid (mainly in Europe and the Near East as far as the Indus valley); wattlework with twined threads (America, Europe, Egypt) and with woven threads (Jarmo, Peru, Egypt); and plaited construction with twilled weaving (Palestine, Europe).
To list the centres of production would almost be to list all human cultural groups. Some regions, however, stand out for the emphasis their inhabitants place on basketry or for the excellence of workmanship there.
American Indian basketry
In western North America the art of basketry has attained one of its highest peaks of perfection and has occupied a preeminent place in the equipment of all the groups who practice it. North American Indians are particularly noted for their twined and coiled work. The Chilkat and the Tlingit of the Pacific Northwest are known for the extreme delicacy of their twined basketry; the California Indians, for the excellence of their work with both types; and the Apache and the Hopi and other Pueblo Indians of the southwestern interior of the United States, for coiled basketry remarkable for its bold decoration and delicate technique.
Central and South American basketry is similar in materials and plaiting processes. The notable difference lies in the finishes used, and in this the Guyana Indians of northeastern South America excel, using a technique of fine plaiting with a twill pattern.
Oceanic basketry
Various plaiting processes have been highly developed in Oceania, not merely for making utilitarian articles but also for ceremonial items and items designed to enhance prestige, such as finely twined cloaks in New Zealand, statues in Polynesia, masks in New Guinea, and decorated shields in the Solomon Islands. In Oceania, as in southern Asia, there is a vegetal civilization, in which basketry predominates over such arts as metalwork and pottery. Particular mention should be made of the Senoi of the Malay Peninsula and of the Australian Aborigines, whose meagre equipment includes delicate basketry done by the women. The Senoi use various plaiting techniques, and the Australians use tight twining.
African basketry
Africa presents an almost infinite variety of basket types and uses. In such regions as Chad and Cameroon, basketry is in evidence everywhere—edging the roads, roofing the houses, decorating the people, and providing the greater part of domestic equipment. The delicate twill plaited baskets of the Congo region are notable for their clever patterning. In the central and eastern Sudanese zone the rich decorative effect of the sewed, coiled baskets is derived from the interplay of colours. People living in the lake area of the Great Rift Valley produce elegant coiled and twined basketry of restrained decoration and careful finishing.
East Asian basketry
People of the temperate zones of East Asia produce a variety of work. Bamboo occupies a particularly important place both in functional basketry equipment and in aesthetic objects (Japanese flower baskets, for example). The production of decorative objects is one feature that distinguishes East Asian basketry from the primarily utilitarian basketry of the Near East and Africa. Southeast Asia, together with Madagascar, are among the places known for their fine decorative plaiting techniques.
European basketry
In Europe almost the whole range of basketry techniques is used, chiefly in making utilitarian objects (receptacles for domestic and carrying purposes and household furniture) but also in making objects primarily for decorative use.
Modern basketry
Even in the modern industrial world, there seems to be a future for basketry. Because of its flexibility, lightness, permeability, and solidity, it will probably remain unsurpassed for some utilitarian ends; such articles, however, because they are entirely handmade, will gradually become luxury items. As a folk art, on the other hand, basketry needs no investment of money: the essential requirements remain a simple awl, nimble fingers, and patience.
Hélène J. Balfet