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How to Identify Styles of Old Indian Baskets

Native American tribes often settled along rivers and the coastal regions of what is now the United States and used regional materials to make baskets for daily use. Large baskets were made to hold personal items, medicine and food, while smaller baskets held more delicate items, such as jewelry. They made baskets with twine that would hold fish and drain water, and tightly wound baskets that could hold water and hot rocks in which to cook food. Identifying early Indian baskets requires a little research and knowledge about the materials used and the region in which the American Indians lived.

Instructions

- 1
  Read reference books from your local library or bookstore with detailed information about American Indian basketry. Examples of reference books include "American Indian Basketry" by Otis Tufton Mason and "Basketry: Webster's Timeline History, 7000BC -- 2006" by Icon Group International.
- 2
  Look for small, oval-shaped baskets that are narrow in size and are coiled tightly. There is a pattern that resembles netting on each end with small loops along the rim. This is a Cowlitz basket from the Western Washington region, according to the Oregon-based antiques expert Arthur W. Erickson. The Cowlitz Indians were among the first native people explorers met as they ventured north of the Columbia River.
- 3
  Examine basket fibers. Baskets were made from riverbed and desert materials, such as yucca, willow, cattails, bear grass and martynia, according to Chubb Collectors. These baskets indicate craftsmanship of the Papago (O'odam) and Pina tribes, who lived along the Salt and Gila Rivers. One unusual Papago or Pima design included a small man in a maze.
- 4
  Seek out tightly coiled baskets with pointed arrows in various designs, typically in orange, black and brown colors, which were indicative of the Anasazi, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The Anasazi lived in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico and often built cave dwellings into the rocks of the region for shelter. One of the materials common to Anasazi basket-making was wicker.
- 5
  Look for different types of baskets, such as "burden" baskets, which were used to carry heavy items, food or water. These baskets were tightly coiled, with a design interwoven in the materials. Many burden baskets are shaped like a "V" and have a loose upper opening. Burden baskets have carrying straps or strap holes. American Indian tribes from throughout the United States used burden baskets to carry items.
- 6
  Gauge the sizes of basket coils. Tightly coiled or woven baskets with primary colors that cover most of the basket and bright geometric or ceremonial Kachina figures are commonly Hopi baskets, according to Native Web. Very large coils are indicative of older Hopi baskets, as are more loosely defined designs and more scattered colors. More modern baskets use smaller coils and precise pattern and color use. The Hopi Indian tribe has lived in Northwestern Arizona for thousands of years.

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