Choose Indian Baskets For Unique Southwest Home Decor

Indian baskets have a unique purpose and place in the culture of Native Americans. I like using these unique baskets to bring Native American style to my home. It is interesting when you begin reading the history of Native American basket weaving and find that the use of baskets actually began centuries ago and is one of the most ancient art forms known in American Indian history. Indian baskets, made by Tribes such as the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their detailed, hand-crafted designs and intricate styles. As you read about basket making, you will find that in the majority of Native American Tribes, women are responsible for basket weaving and learn the art as young girls from their mothers. Baskets are used for many things in the daily lives of the Native Americans and allow the people to make a living.

As you will learn, Indian baskets not only work wonderfully as rustic decorating accessories, but they are also very useful. Originally, baskets were made by the Inidans as a way to carry fragile or perishable things such as food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. Hundreds of years ago, Native American Tribes changed locations regularly and had to design ways to protect their things while still being able to move them quickly. Unlike clay pottery, baskets were strong and would not break. Now days, Tribes still use baskets in their houses and dwellings to keep their items clean and organized. They also serve as a means of income for many Indigenous families, and play a vital part in Indian ceremonies and rituals, such as wedding ceremonies, and in rights of passage ceremonies.

There are many kinds of Indian baskets and each Tribe has their own designs. Southwestern, Native baskets are some of the most sought-after in the world and are considered a true form of art. The way these baskets are made is truly fascinating and is very impressive to watch. The two types of baskets made by this Tribe are the yucca or sotol as it is also called, and baskets made of pine needles. Baskets made of Yucca are very well-known and come in various patterns and sizes. Pine baskets are more popular in the mountains where pine trees grow, but are smaller than the yucca baskets and not as durable.

There are various kinds of weaving designs Indian people use to make baskets that vary between Tribes. The guari style, the most popular weave among the Tarahumara in the Sierra Madre region of Northern Mexico, is round on the top, somewhat square, and has four distinct corners on the bottom. The petaca is another kind of weave used commonly in the canyon regions, and is curved and often double woven. Sometimes the leaves are run across a stone to smooth the sharp edges before the basket is started.

American Indian baskets come in many different types, patterns and colors depending on the Tribe and the place where it is made. Even if you don’t have the chance to see basket weaving first-hand and select an Indian basket of your own, you can still have a piece of this American Indian form of art. It is easy to buy Indian style baskets online and in stores that sell chic, rustic and country style interior decorating accessories. Bring Native American culture to life in your home with one of a kind, hand-crafted Indian baskets.

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about choosing Indian baskets for beautiful Southwest home decor. For more information visit www.missiondelrey.com

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Choose Indian Baskets For Unique Southwest Home Decor
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