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Indian baskets have been part of Native American culture for many years. I enjoy using these hand-made baskets to bring southwest style to my home. It is interesting when you start studying the history of Indian basket weaving and find that basket use actually started centuries ago and is one of the oldest forms of art known in North American history. Indian baskets, weaved by Tribes such as the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their beautiful, hand-crafted designs and elaborate styles. As you learn about basket making, you will find that in many Native American Tribes, women are the ones in charge of basket weaving and learn the art as little girls from their mothers. Baskets are used for many purposes in the daily lives of the Native Indians and are a source of economic survival for the people.

As you will learn, Indian baskets not only work well as pieces of rustic decor, but they are also very useful. In the beginning, baskets were made out of necessity by Native people as a way to protect valued things such as food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. Hundreds of years ago, Native American Tribes moved often and needed ways to protect their things while still being able to carry them easily. Unlike clay pots, baskets were long-lasting and would not break. These days, Tribes still use baskets in their households and dwellings to keep their items clean and organized. They also serve as a means of income for many Native American families, and play an important part in Indian events and tribal rituals, such as wedding ceremonies, and in rights of passage ceremonies.

There are many types of Indian baskets and each Tribe has different styles of basket making. Southwest style, Indian baskets are some of the most exquisite in the world and are regarded as a true art form. The making of these baskets is truly incredible and is very thrilling to watch. There are generally two types of woven baskets that this Tribe makes yucca or sotol as it is also called, and baskets made of pine needles. Baskets made of Yucca are very well-known and are woven in a variety of patterns and sizes. Pine baskets are more common in the mountains where pine trees are prevalent, but are smaller than the yucca baskets and are more fragile.

There are different types of weaving styles Indigenous people use in basket making that differ between Tribes. The guari type, the most popular weave among the Tarahumara in the mountain region of Northern Mexico, is rounded on the top, somewhat square, and has four distinct corners on the bottom. The petaca is another style of weave used generally in the canyon regions, and is round and often double woven. Sometimes the leaves are run back and forth on a rough stone to smooth the sharp edges before the basket is started.

Native baskets come in many different types, patterns and colors depending on the Tribe and the place where it is made. Even if you are not able to see basket weaving first-hand and choose an Indian basket of your own, you can still have a piece of this Native art form. It is easy to buy southwest style baskets online and in stores that sell chic, genuine style home decorating accessories. Bring American Indian culture to life in your home by decorating with beautiful, hand-crafted Indian baskets.