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Use Indian Baskets For Chic Southwestern Interior Design

By: Nelson Montana

Indian baskets have a unique purpose and place in the culture of Native Americans. I like using these hand-crafted baskets to bring Native style to my home. It is intriguing when you begin studying the history of Native basket weaving and find that the need for baskets actually began hundreds of years ago and is one of the most ancient art forms known in North American history. Indian baskets, made by Tribes like the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their detailed, handmade designs and intricate styles. As you read about basket making, you will find that in many Native American Tribes, women are responsible for basket weaving and are taught as a young girl from their mothers. Baskets serve many functions in the daily lives of the Native Indians and help the people financially.

As you will find, Indian baskets not only work well as rustic decorating accessories, but they are also very useful. Originally, baskets were created in Inigenous culture as a way to carry valued things like food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. Years ago, Tribes changed locations regularly and had to design ways to protect their things while still being able to move them easily. Unlike clay pots, baskets were strong and would not break. These days, Tribes still use baskets in their households and dwellings to protect their things and keep them organized. They also serve as a way for many Native Americans to make a living, and play a vital part in Indian ceremonies and rituals, such as Navajo wedding ceremonies, and in rights of passage ceremonies.

There are different kinds of Native baskets and each Tribe has their own styles of basket making. Southwestern, Tarahumara Indian baskets are some of the most well-known in the world and are considered a true form of art. The making of these baskets is truly extraordinary and is very impressive to watch. There are generally two types of woven baskets made by this Tribe, yucca or sotol as it is also known, and pine needle baskets. Baskets made of Yucca are very popular and come in different patterns and sizes. Pine baskets are more commonly found in higher elevations where pine trees are prevalent, but are smaller than the yucca baskets and are more fragile.

There are different kinds of weaving designs Native people use to make baskets that vary among Tribes. The guari type, the most commonly used weave among the Tarahumara in the mountain region of Northern Mexico, is rounded at the top, somewhat square, and consists of four well-defined corners at the bottom. The petaca is another style of weave used traditionally 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 maker starts to weave.

Native Indian baskets come in various types, designs and colors depending on the Tribe and the area where it is made. Even if you are not able to go to the tribal location and select an Indian basket of your own, you can still enjoy a piece of this Native form of art. It is easy to buy Indian style baskets online and in stores that sell beautiful, genuine style home decorating accessories. Bring Indigenous culture to life in your home with authentic, handmade Indian baskets.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about using Indian baskets for chic western interior design. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

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