While music is an important part of Native American culture, there are many other art forms that are also significant, like weaving. Because tribes were mobile, often their art was not only beautiful, but also useful. For example, baskets and blankets were necessary items, but the different tribes wove patterns and symbols in to these items, making them works of art. Baskets were a big part of tribal life and making them was considered an important task. Basket weaving is still common today with many weavers following the age-old practices of the Native American tribes.
While some tribes used bear grass to weave baskets, the Shoshone used willow because it was so plentiful where they lived. Even though it was plentiful, willow could only be harvested in autumn and winter after the leaves fell. And even though there were (and still are) many kinds of willow, there were only three or four types that were suitable for weaving. Once the willow was harvested, cleaned and prepared, the weaving could begin. A basket’s shape and size determined how the owner would use it. Cradle baskets were made for carrying babies under a year old. Some baskets, like storage baskets, had lids while others looked like bowls.
Like many other artists, basket weavers often have their own sense of style, or voice, that shines through in their work. Maybe it is the way a basket sits or how tightly the artist weaves, but each maker leaves their mark on their baskets.
In many tribes, basket making was competitive. Moms would share their best basket making tips with their daughters, and every step of the process from cleaning to soaking and cutting the willow had to be done in a certain way to ensure the baskets would come out right. The women would often try to outdo each other with beautiful patterns that they wove into the baskets.
