What did Cherokee use baskets for?

The Uses of Cherokee Baskets Baskets used to catch fish, store grain, and carry food and water were often called market baskets. Other baskets were made for clothing storage, ceremonial use, and even games.

Did Cherokee weave baskets?

Basket weaving is one of the oldest-known Native American crafts, and Cherokee double-woven baskets are the oldest form of basketry in the Southeast. Baskets were used to hold corn, squash, beans, and other food crops. Each clan had distinct basket patterns which were woven in honor of “Ka no he lv hi,” the old ways.

How do the Chitimacha design their baskets?

Baskets of dyed and plaited river cane, specially made for gathering, preparing, storing, and serving food, were used by many Native groups in the Southeast. Chitimacha baskets are distinguished by the use of narrower split cane and the variety of complicated designs.

How do I identify a vintage basket?

Look also for wooden handles and fine work throughout the body of the piece. The surface of an older basket will bear witness to its age, perhaps with a nicely darkened surface, wear in expected places (on handles, for example), and/or some wear to surface paint, if present.

Are Indian baskets worth anything?

Native American baskets are among some of the most popular and pricey objects sought after by collectors, historians, and students of early cultures. Depending on origin, tribal relationship, and condition, quality Native American baskets range in value from $5,000 to $50,000.

What were the Chitimacha known for?

The Chitimacha were particularly noted for the skill of their basket weaving, employing a “double-weave” technique resulting in different designs on two surfaces. They subsisted on corn (maize), beans, and squash; wild fruits and berries; deer and bear; and many varieties of fish.

What are Chitimacha baskets made of?

These baskets are made from local river cane, which is a variety of bamboo. Chitimacha basket colors are red, black, yellow and the natural color of the cane. Traditionally, dyes were made from local plants, but today commercial dyes are used. Chitimacha baskets are made in a variety of shapes and styles.

What is a Cherokee basket?

Cherokee baskets are traditionally made of locally harvested materials including river cane, white oak, and honeysuckle. In order to create darker colors, baskets were boiled with black walnut or bloodroot.

What is a Native American basket?

Baskets have been an integral part of Cherokee culture for thousands of years and are now a proud part of their prehistoric and modern history. Cherokee baskets are traditionally made of locally harvested materials including river cane, white oak, and honeysuckle. In order to create darker colors, baskets were boiled with black walnut or bloodroot.

What are the different methods of Cherokee weaving?

There are two common methods of Cherokee weaving: single weave and double weave. A double-weave basket refers to a basket with two layers, one inside the other. Weaves were chosen based on the purpose of the basket. Baskets were made by the Cherokee people for a wide variety of reasons and purposes and in many unique shapes and sizes.

Do rivercane basket patterns have names?

Historically, rivercane basket patterns did not have names. Several Cherokee basket makers have remarked that their mothers-who, for the most part taught them to weave-did not use names for the many patterns they wove into their baskets. Rowena Bradleyrecalled, “My mother never had no names or no meaning to her designs.