In Native American cultures, baskets took the place of every modern convenience we take for granted and also served as a representation of tribes and stories.Baskets showcased individual character and the vitality of the Native Americans who made them.
Each tribe used different materials native to the area to weave their baskets. Northeastern Indian baskets are made from pounded ash splints or braided sweetgrass. Southeastern Indians used bundled pine needles or rivercane wicker. Southwestern Indians made baskets from tightly coiled sumac or willow. Northwest Coast Indians wove their baskets with cedar bark, swamp grass, and spruce root. Northern Indians crafted birchbark and whale baleen baskets. https://blog.kachinahouse.com/basket-weavings-importance-in-native-american-culture/ The Navajo used baskets for a wide variety of everyday functions such as storing food, as well as ceremonial purposes, the most well-known being wedding ceremonies. Traditional Navajo baskets feature black and red bands or triangular patterns and a braided rim. Usually, the artist would leave an opening, or spirit line, in the banded design. To make a basket, the artist creates long laces of sumac, willow or yucca by hand then weaves the basket in concentric circles from the center, alternating the laces to create patterns in the design. In recent decades, a group of Navajo weavers led by Mary Black and her family have revitalized Navajo basketry by embracing contemporary designs and incorporating Navajo symbols and vibrant colors not traditionally used in baskets.
https://bischoffsgallery.com/online-store/baskets/navajo-baskets/a1-apache-basket-information-2619-2620-2621.htm |
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Test Pattern Directions
You will be drawing a traditional Native American Design for your test pattern. These designs are often very graphic, symmetrical, and geometric. As you work on your drawing, think about how this would look using raffia pieces. For example, the single black square at the end of the stacked pattern would be one or two wraps of the raffia. Don't worry about precise measurements when creating your design. Estimate where things will go. Step 1 - Draw 12 concentric circles using a template and compass. Step 2 - Draw out the design.
Step 3 - Trace over your pencil lines with a black colored pencil Step 4 - Color in the pattern using red, black and tan colored pencils |
General Directions:
TIP: Soak the raffia in water for a few minutes before threading it. It makes the raffia less likely to break. After being coiled, it will shrink a little keeping your weaves tight.
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