Baskets: Like mats, baskets
were a big part of daily life. Some Indian families had a family
design they used when weaving baskets. But mostly, women tried to
outdo each other with designs and colors. Baskets were made in the
winter months.
To get ready for the winter weaving, all summer
long basket-making materials were collected. Grass was used like
embroidery thread. Certain grasses were collected because of their
strength and colors. Some women hiked into the mountains, a most
dangerous thing to do, to collect grass to make baskets. Roots and
twigs had to be soaked just right.
Once baskets were made, they were used to store
belongings on the open shelves, to store food, and used for trade.
Basket making was then, and still is, an art.
Secret basket making techniques were handed down from mother to
daughter.
