Material Culture of Basketry

"The Material Culture of Basketry argues for the recognition of practical basketwork as a culturally significant practice, as a theoretically rich discipline which has much in common with mathematics and engineering, as a mode of sustainable craft and design, and as a socially beneficial source of skill and care. The book presents basketry as an understudied and under appreciated discipline, which in fact has much to offer the modern world. Contributors show how local knowledge of materials, plants and place are central to the craft. Case studies include an investigation of perishable materials and the passing of time, an assessment of craft 'culture loss' and a photo-essay exploring the theme of memory in Andean khipu knots. Similarly, the structure and skill in basketwork are shown to represent a significant form of textile technology, and the book argues that the patterns and geometric forms that emerge through basketwork reflect an embodied knowledge which parallels mathematics and engineering. Basketry's inherently sustainable nature is also considered. An illustrated case study focusing on the Osmia bee and thatched roofs casts new light on how we perceive craft and nature, and an exploration of recycled materials in basketry is included. And finally, the therapeutic value of the craft is recognised through a selection of case studies which consider basketry as a healing process for patients with brain injuries, and as a memory aid for people living with dementia. This reclaims basketry's significant role in occupational therapy as an agent of recovery and well-being. Above all the book envisages basketry as an intellectually rewarding means of knowing. It presents the craft as embodying care for skilled making and for the social and natural environments in which it flourishes"--