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A basket is a container which is
traditionally constructed from stiff fibers, often
made of willow. The top is either left open or the
basket may be fitted with a
lid. As soon as man
or was able to plait fibers together, they began
to experiment with structures for woven
containers. The weaving of baskets is as old as
the history of man.
Archeologists
tell us that the oldest known baskets presently
appear to be some unearthed in Faiyum in Upper
Egypt; radiocarbon dating tests have shown them to
be between 10,000 and 12,000 years old. Other
Middle Eastern sites have produced baskets up to
7000 years old. The earliest dates for baskets are
older than any yet established by archeologists
for pottery.
Basket has survived in many parts of the world, using
techniques, and materials similar to those used in
past ages. While continuing as a living tradition,
it has undergone a revival of interest among
craftspeople, leading to new forms of expression.
An interesting fact about the age-old craft of basket
making is that, while many other crafts have
become mechanized, no one has ever invented a
machine that can make baskets. Click on the
underline "Books on Baskets in the upper right
hand
corner. |
