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Call for questions: BASKET WEAVING (Patreon)

Published:
2024-10-08 21:53:51
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Next week I'm interviewing an Indigenous Chamorro artisan about basket weaving. He is a master of the craft, passionate about his culture's dying art using thorny pandan leaves.

Weaving requires a lot of technique and labor, it's more complicated than it looks. We'll cover the whole process from planting trees to dyeing leaves. There's other traditional artifacts we can get into too like mats, hats, fans, and pouches and more modern objects like cell phone cases and hydro flask sleeves.

Leave your questions about basket weaving in the comments below!

 

Comments

Kyle

Beat me to it!

RJ Doidge

Is it really as challenging and tedious as it looks? I feel like that’s always the profession someone selects when they reference a technique or skill that seems particularly daunting…especially if done underwater 🙃

Griffin Russell

Top 5 grasses to weave a basket for apple picking?

Aeriel Belk

Dang it I just typed out the same thing lol

Aeriel Belk

How do you choose the materials you incorporate into a basket? To what extent does this impact the permeability of the basket?

Erin Everton

Stupid question but is underwater basket weaving a real thing or just something people said to be funny when I was a kid. Google says it’s an idiom but also supplies a zip recruiter page estimating an underwater basket weaving hourly pay???

Will Clark

Are there any materials that are waterproof?

Aeriel Belk

I think a lot about the song in Moana where they make baskets from coconut fiber and cook up the meat inside. How do they do that? How does the basket not burn on the coals? Also, can you make them watertight to hold the water like that?

Alli B

Are baskets and other items made by a pattern (similar to knitting or crochet)?

Isa Brillard

Baskets! When is it believed that basket weaving was begun? Does weaving originate from one part of the world or has it been present in many global cultures? How is a watertight basket made?

Eli “the Fish Guy”

How do I respectfully get involved with indigenous communities as a white person who wants to know more about indigenous peoples’ history, culture, understanding of sustainable living, and mastery of skills such as basket weaving? I admire the way in which indigenous communities prioritize sustainability and harmony with nature, and would love to learn more from the right sources.

Dave Brewer

What’s the process for creating a new pattern, from idea to implementation?

JENN 'Benthopelagic squirrel' ALVAREZ

Ooo! When I was a kid eleventysquirrel years ago, my family (grandma) and I weaved baskets out of pine straw. My other grandma taught be how to weave with grass. What's the earliest known basket weave?

Josh Frye

How often do you get the "underwater basket weaving" joke?

Nicky G

What does the preparation look like for the materials being woven? Harvesting to sorting, then onto drying or curing before the actual crafting of weaving can begin? And THANKS for highlighting such an interesting and cultural practice to a wider audience! Can't wait to learn more!

Julia Fisher

Woven baskets at big box stores selling home goods (I'm in the US), are those typically made by hand or machine?

Sam Nelson

What is the earliest known example of weaving?

Cooper Michael

Are baskets typically woven to last for a while or are they more of an ephemeral art form? Do the patterns tell stories in a way?

Han the Bee

How can we best tell hand made woven baskets from those that are mass produced?

Naomi Jane

Which is more difficult - curves or corners? And what's the BIGGEST thing your guest has ever woven? I'm also curious about the etymology of the word woven 🤔

Antoinette Palmieri

Where did the idea of a blowoff class being “underwater basket weaving” come from? I’ve tried to make a basket, it’s hard!

Hadley

No question but THIS IS SO COOL!!!

DrWogg

FTQA: What is the longest amount of time the guest has spent working on an item (and what was it)?

Teresa Gleason

Is basket weaving one of those things that started in multiple places around the world? Do artists do something that would identify their work, many years later? I look forward to listening to this!

Deanna

Do basket weavers work use weaving drafts like floor and table weavers? How are designs documented and shared?

Meaghan Ratcliffe

obviously a lot of the stuff that’s woven is for practical uses, but what about things made for ceremonial purposes, aesthetics/looking cool, or just for fun?

Emily Krieger

stop it!! i am making dogbane cord right as i saw this post! i would love to hear more about best foraged materials for basket weaving. :)

Anthony Richards

How elaborate can the weaving get?Are there designs that can sort of tell a story about the culture that made them, if you know how to interpret the designs?

Lalie Broten

How do the designs passed down tell the story of the people and their beliefs and ways of life? And as a tack on to that: Have you created your own unique designs that reflect your own life and experiences? So excited for this topic!!!!!

Lalie Broten

In a practical sense: How can Basket weaving be used in today's modern "techy" world in ways that allow for more sustainable products?

joesyourmom

I know in the traditional and current Yakima Nation territory over harvesting of Bear Grass for commercial florists is a big issue. What are other intersections of traditional materials and market values that are causing trouble for weavers?

Baz Pugmire

What’s the deal with underwater basket weaving jokes? I never understood them. Once in elementary school we did learn about basket weaving (we wet the reeds to make them pliable & did a simple every-other pattern— excuse my noob verbiage) and we each made a basket. I still use the basket I made & it’s one of my most fond childhood memories!

Peyton Nill

My mom has some indigenous woven baskets she says are at least 200 years old and they are her prize possession. I’m going to inherit them one day. How can I store and transport them without causing damage and get repairs made?

The Other Maya

The first time I knitted a thing, and I felt the yarn slide through my fingers, and felt the needles touching each other, I was overcome with this feeling that I was connected to my ancestors. I feel this way when I garden, and when I'm tending my chickens, too but not at that level. It felt sacred. It felt matrilineal. I still get a warmth when I knit, and this experience has taught me what it really means to have that connection. In a very real way, learning to knit taught me what it feels like to have a cultural tradition. And it makes me feel more, in my body and my heart that I am in my current way of being, a colonizer. And I want to know: can a colonizer de-colonize. Is there a way for a white lady to learn more about the land that I'm on, the language of this place, the names of the plants, or are white ladies, specifically West Coast white ladies, burned forever because statistically and culturally we're the hand of "the man"? I know that's a lot but we're talking about a traditional craft today and I want to know if I have any part of any business here. Yes, my ancestors undoubtedly wove baskets, but not these baskets. These are not my baskets, but can I know these baskets?

Marlae Moss

I am SO excited for this episode! I need to add a new hobby to all the other half completed ones I have going 🙃 How does a beginner get started? What is the best material to use?

eunjoo

Do they use every part of the plant or only harvest what is needed?

Jen A.

What's the oldest example of a woven basket they have found? Where?

Jen A.

I was a textile student at RIT in the 90s. They had basket weaving. They also had scuba diving as an elective, in the pool. Technical, someone could have done underwater basket weaving.. 😅

The Other Maya

How can we support indigenous craft and indigenous artists? Ie, how do we find the things that are actually made by people and not support the stealing of indigenous motifs and visual languages by non-indigenous entities?

Diana Staresinic-Deane

Do basket materials shrink after weaving? If so, how do you plan for that? Also, how do you care for handwoven wood or grass baskets?

Rachel Guthrie

Can woven baskets hold water? If so, how do you keep them from molding?

Eating dog hair for a living

How many cuts on your fingers do you estimate you've had? Were you self taught? Do you follow a pattern or think of ways to make something yourself? What's the most complicated object you've weaved?

Eating dog hair for a living

You've always had a connection to someone that was bigger than you feel. Do some digging, find your ancestry and then you might find why you're so connected to knitting. Maybe take it further and raise a couple of sheep and have them sheared so you can wash and spin the yarn yourself, then use it for knitting.

KELLIE D MORGANTINI

How can you get new young people to be interested and carry on this craft? Old designs and baskets are beautiful- seeing new designs by new people would be even more so.

Sephie

What SHOULDN’T you put in a handwoven basket? And why?

Aspen Brown

First time question asker! What makes a basket unique to a given culture? Are there similarities across regions with similar plants/climates? I was gifted a traditional Sicilian Panaru made of cane and olive twigs, and I’d love to learn more about it.

Organic Free-Range Lily

Can this type of basket-weaving be learned only in person? Or are there some extremely detailed video tutorials, too? In other words, can folks learn to weave these baskets from anywhere, or only if they have an Indigenous teacher living in their area? :)

mish the fish

i hope she reads your whole name

Lisa Gorman

How long have humans been weaving baskets?

Dave Langlinais

Question: my neighbor's girlfriend is a member of the Chitimacha tribe, and she is one of the few people from my area that legitimately can lay claim to Native-American basket-weaving in South Louisiana - is there anything I should pay attention to, try my best to avoid cultural appropriation of their customs, and still be able to do my own weaving?

Dave Langlinais

Thaaat's a damned good question! Am hoping Alie answers this one!

Dave Langlinais

Dragon eggs. They burn right through 'em.

Organic Free-Range Lily

ahahaha that happened exactly once, with my very first question. :) The praying mantises episode, at the 54:15 timestamp. (My most cherished audio file ever! <3 ) Ever since then, it's just been "Grigorius of Tomsk," although sometimes Alie pauses and chuckles just a bit before pronouncing it. :)

Rose

In Oregon at Fort Rock, the oldest signs of humanity in the area is a pair of woven sandals that were found, dating back 9000 years! What makes weaving last so long? Wouldn’t reeds or similar plant matter biodegrade? What makes these plant materials so strong?

Brenna Pixley

Is there a way non indigenous folks can carry on this tradition; as our “landcestors “ or is it appropriating .. even if we are not selling them ? Weaving is just so magical

Adam Weaver

My last name is Weaver and I have to assume at some point my family picked up the name from their trade. It's something I've always wanted to try my hand at, is it something you would encourage everyone to try? What's the best way to learn for a beginner?

Dr. Lina Carpenter

Is underwater basket weaving actually a thing? Why and when did it start becoming an absurd saying? Do we have a basketweaver to blame, or is this idiom an outsider's doing?

Rachael Gardner

Do you have any advice for folks who want to support Indigenous artists and artisans in a respectful way? Any pitfalls to avoid?

Sugarpuffdaddykins

Just jumping on here to be included when you read our names for the “underwater basket weaving” question 🥰

Kelly A McConnell

First time ? I went to UMiami (Go CANES) where we are said to major in underwater basket weaving - it seems insulting to actual basket weavers, right? Does the underwater add anything there? Where did it come from?

Sydney Toups

What can you tell about a culture based on their weaving - the materials, the patterns, the shapes and sizes? Are most baskets multi-functional or are there more specific usages for certain designs?

Kieran H

How long does it typically take you to weave one basket? Of course I’d assume that it would depend on the size.

Bahdi_Phat

Neolithic people of the Jomon era (10,500-300 BCE) applied layers of urushi lacquer to woven items for strength. Is that typical in other regions/eras? Is tree sap the most commonly used "reinforcer" for woven objects?

Jenny Lyon

What is the best way to clean a woven basket?

Lexi Gutshall

I've been sifting through the comments to find this!

Annica Mandeltort

First time question asker! For those of us without easy access to fresh pandan leaves (hafa adai from Seattle!) but still want to learn this style of weaving, what other materials would you recommend using?

Scarlet P

What are the oldest known basket weaving techniques? Do we know who wove the first baskets?

Olivier Calas

Can invasive plants or vines such as kudzu be used for basket weaving ?

Jacob Shepherd

Are there different types of weaving styles for different uses of baskets? Or is it just for looks and for fun other than the general useful shape? And can you mix and match different styles in one weave kind of like people will mix crochet and knitting into the same yarn project?

Sophie de Valle

Do you know anything about the bakery weaving of the indigenous Australians? Thank you so much

Scalebar

No question but thank you for reminding me to give this a try - brambles are the traditional material round here

thulahn

What type of plant makes the best weaving material? If I don't have any of the traditional plants around, how can I identity the most suitable and be successful at it?

Doug Foster

I tell students that if they had a passion for a subject, there is a school out there that offers a degree in that subject, even if their subject is basket weaving. What school offers an Associate, Bachelor's or...?, in Basket Weaving? (Just in case I'm ever challenged on that premise.)

Sonjabird

What do you think is the most difficult medium to weave with and why?

Michael Breyette

Considering the strength and durability what other modern items currently made of plastic could be made eco friendly though the technique of weaving plants?

Ted Hamilton

Do you know of any legitimate underwater basket weaving? Is this just a myth?

Geo

Did different cultures all over the world both have different types of basket weaving appear throughout history?

Rachel Prestayko

Is basket weaving a solo activity or is it done in a group?

Rachel Prestayko

What are the baskets used for? Are they decorative, practical, maybe both?

Rachel Prestayko

Are baskets ever painted or decorated with beads or any other accoutrements?!

Rachel Prestayko

What is the life cycle of a woven basket like? How long do they last for? What do people do with them when they're done? Do they end up in a landfill or are they "disposed" of some other way?

Rachel Prestayko

Is the skill and art of basket weaving continuing on to new generations?

Rachel Prestayko

What's the deal with Moses baskets and are they safe for babies?

Rachel Prestayko

Who learns the skill of basket weaving in their culture and when do they learn? Is it kids, women only, maybe specialists within a culture?

Rachel Prestayko

How do they feel about non-indigenous people learning the skill of basket weaving? Is it cultural appropriation or is there a way to learn respectfully?

Rachel Prestayko

How is basket weaving done on an industrial scale like the kind of stuff you might see at IKEA?

Dawn Morse

I'm originally from Charleston, South Carolina where there is a long tradition of woven sweet grass baskets. I have several that I treasure. I remember going to the old market and seeing the women sitting in their folding chairs weaving the beautiful baskets. I live in Kansas now. Wheat weaving is a thing around here, but they usually just make small decorative things with wheat. What's the best way to evaluate local materials for suitability for baskets? There are lots of prairie grasses, but would they hold up?

Rachel Prestayko

Are there any new contemporary styles for basket weaving? How has it changed in the modern world?

Robin Stumbo

how is climate change and other threats like invasive species impacting the availability of weaving materials? i know that's been a big issue with species like black ash that are used for basket weaving

Brooke Williams

Are different colors used in weaving natural or dyed?

Sarah Meaden

Are there any types of woven baskets that are dangerous to have around house pets? (obviously because of the fiber used not because of the pattern). I feel like my cats would gnaw on anything.

Susan Gehr

Thank you for this topic! I come from a tribe known for our basket making. I would like to hear about plant stewardship and climate change. Are impacts from changing climate affecting weaving in your region and what, if anything, is being done to mitigate it?

Kelly Slate

My partner is Mi’kmaq and his people are renowned for their basketry. Are there any techniques or styles that seem to have been exchanged between peoples from nations far away from themselves?

Adam Foote

How easy or hard is it to weave a watertight basket? Are there specific plant fibers you need to do that?

Nathalie Jones

Ahhhh aloha cousin!! (I'm Native Hawaiian) I'm curious whether basket weaving is something that folks developed separately independently or if the knowledge was passed along by early humans? I love how similar Indigenous arts can be even between cultures thousands of miles apart!

Nathalie Jones

Ooh I like this question. Brings to mind the ethics of fast fashion crochet items

Nathalie Jones

Hahah not pigeons according to the pidgeon episode!

RoadLesTravelled

If a weaving becomes deformed by water damage, is there any way to return it to the intended shape?

CurtisDawg

What are your thoughts about new tools and technologies that have been adopted and adapted into contemporary "indigenous" basket weaving? Do today's artist tend to rely on traditional methods of textile construction or not? Do we lose part of culture with technology? (I live on the lands of the Coast Salish peoples.)

Addie Cappello she her

I don’t know much about this one so yay for learning! Is the material used for the baskets more sustainable than other “modern” textiles? How long will weaved items hold up/last for? Do they disintegrate over time? Do your fingers get sliced up a bunch? Interested in the cultural history and background of weaving. Thanks!

CurtisDawg

Mostly a question for Alie: Have you heard of the easy college credit class of "Underwater Basket Weaving"? Where did that all start?

Rachel Prestayko

I've never heard of that! Into a Google rabbit hole I go...

Elongated Muskrat

Are there any common weaving injuries? I would think common wrist problems may arise and are there ways to avoid strain while weaving or exercises to maintain those joints? Seems like an art form that may come for the artists hands a bit.

HaardPass

Do you see a shift toward non-traditional materials in weaving as different plant species are threatened by climate change and invasive pests? I'm in the upper Midwest and am thinking about the Ho Chunk and Potawatomi black ash basket weaving traditions in particular. Emerald ash borer and global warming have wiped out black ash trees throughout the region and I fear this traditional craft is at risk so soon after it's resurgence in the mid-20th century.

Matt Hirschl

Has there been any research on how basket weaving impacts the brain? Has there been any evidence that basket weaving helps older people avoid later in life type diseases?

Flozzatron

Is weaving known to have any sort of meditative benefits from the repetition? Do you feel like you were made for this craft or do you think you could have been just as content mastering another craft?

Kimberly Coburn

No question - just stoked for more craft-based Ologies! <3

Faith Stemmler

What plants are typically chosen for basket weaving and why?

GhoulNextDoor

How much do weaving styles vary from each individual? Is it fairly uniform or can you look at a basket and tell who made it if you’re familiar with that persons work?

zoey

how far back does basket weaving go? do we know where / when or originated? did all humans come to the same conclusion that basket weaving was a thing around the same time?

Kelly Shaver

How do you make woven baskets watertight?

Kelly Shaver

I'm curious about the impact of climate change on the availability and quality of weaving materials.

Kelly Shaver

What is the best way to take care of older woven baskets? How should they be cleaned and are there things that shouldn't be stored in them?

Kelly Shaver

How has traditional basket weaving changed in the modern era?

Kelly Shaver

Jumping on the "underwater basket weaving" question train. I have to know!

Kelly Shaver

I've heard a few Native basket weavers say that they can't make baskets at the same level of quality as older generations, especially the ancient baskets that are in their tribe's collection. Is that because of knowledge loss or decreasing quality of materials or something else?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) What is the history of basket weaving in the wider realm of textiles? Was basket weaving the basis for the later development of fabric weaving? 2) How do you create structure versus flexibility? 3) How dangerous is basket weaving? Do you get leaf type paper cuts a lot? How much strength do you need? 3) How waterproof can you make a woven surface? Can you make raincoats? 4) How much time does it take to make an object from start to finish? How fast is an expert versus a beginner? 5) Are there good DIY sources to teach people how to do weaving in their backyard? Can you use foraged materials readily available? 6) How do you create colors? 7) How much math is involved? How do you know how much material you'll need to finish a project? How much origami is involved? 8) What is the durability of woven projects? How hard are they to repair? Can broken ones be recycled?

Mouse Paxton

How long do woven baskets last? What are some of the most unique materials used to weave baskets? How do people figure out how to make such intricate designs? Can you weave different kinds of materials together?

Baz Pugmire

Do baskets break down over time? And are their materials historically reused or composted if they do?

Duncan Koblas

How do you use the plant material in a basket to come up with a date that it was woven? Follow up: Can you narrow that down to a specific year/season depending on the characteristics of tree ring layers, for example?

Olivia Wipke

What are some of the threats to the native plants used in basket weaving and how are people trying to protect them?

OnyxMonolyth

How did the basket weaving practice of Native American groups (specifically those who were forced from their lands to places vastly different) change due to colonization?

Anna Wolf

are there certain materials that have higher value culturally or representatively for Indigenous basket weavers?

Anna Wolf

Anna Wolf first time question asker!

EmmaB

Can you talk bout the religious and cultural implications of basket weaving!

EmmaB

Was basket weaving done by all of was it divided regarding gender, social status, etc?

Jake Miller

I’d love to learn more about the Gullah community of SC. Living in Charleston means sweet grass baskets and roses at every turn and they’re so interesting!

Lynda Creedy

Are there special processes that must be carried out before leaves and fibres can be used for baskets? Can green leaves be woven as is, or must they be dried?