Appalachian Style Baskets

In the old country, baskets were purchased from a professional basket weaver, but in the New World, settlers had to learn the techniques themselves, and baskets were a necessity. With the help of Native people, settlers experimented with wild vines and bushes and hardwood trees. The American versions of the ribbed basket were born. They are still being made today in a variety of styles and with many different materials, and once you learn this style, you can make many contemporary baskets.

Some of the styles:

Egg Basket. The Egg (also called “fanny”, “cheek”, “gizzard”, “butt”) basket was used for a variety of farm and household chores, but mostly for taking eggs to market. There are endless variations with this basket.

Oriole Basket. One of the oldest Appalachian basket forms, this is named for its resemblance to an oriole’s nest. It was made flat sided so as to ride against the side of a mule.

Key Basket. Years ago, keys were quite large and there was a separate one for every cupboard, pantry, and outbuilding. They could get quite heavy, and the
solution was the key basket. It was easy to carry and could be hung
conveniently at the door.

Potato Basket. Also called a gathering or field basket, this is a direct descendant of the willow field baskets of England, Scotland and Wales. If made
stoutly it can be dragged along the rows in a garden or field.

Hen Basket. So named because at one time, people actually transported hens from farm to farm in this basket. Symbolically it relates to the idea of generosity, a space of one’s own, and also the circle, symbol of wholeness and unity, the reclamation of self.

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