Basketry: meaning, definitions and examples

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basketry

[ˈbɑːskɪtri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art

The craft of making baskets and other items by weaving together flexible materials such as twigs, reeds, or strips of wood.

Synonyms

basket weaving, wickerwork.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
basketry	This is a general term that refers to the art or craft of making baskets and other similar items from flexible plant fibers. It is used in an artistic or cultural context. She has been studying basketry for several years. The museum has a beautiful collection of Native American basketry.
basket weaving	This phrase describes the process or activity of creating baskets. It is often used when talking about the practical aspects or the learning of the craft. We are going to take a basket weaving class this weekend. Basket weaving requires a lot of patience and skill.
wickerwork	This term specifically refers to items made from woven willow, reeds, or similar materials. It is used when describing furniture or household items. The porch was decorated with wickerwork furniture. She bought a beautiful wickerwork basket at the market.

Word

Description / Examples

basketry

This is a general term that refers to the art or craft of making baskets and other similar items from flexible plant fibers. It is used in an artistic or cultural context.

She has been studying basketry for several years.
The museum has a beautiful collection of Native American basketry.

basket weaving

This phrase describes the process or activity of creating baskets. It is often used when talking about the practical aspects or the learning of the craft.

We are going to take a basket weaving class this weekend.
Basket weaving requires a lot of patience and skill.

wickerwork

This term specifically refers to items made from woven willow, reeds, or similar materials. It is used when describing furniture or household items.

The porch was decorated with wickerwork furniture.
She bought a beautiful wickerwork basket at the market.

Examples of usage

Basketry is a traditional art form in many cultures around the world.
She learned the intricate techniques of basketry from her grandmother.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

craft

The practice or skill of creating baskets or other containers using various weaving techniques.

Synonyms

handicraft, weaving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
basketry	Use in contexts related to the art and craft of making baskets or similar items from interwoven materials. The museum has an extensive collection of Native American basketry She learned basketry from her grandmother using traditional techniques
weaving	Use when discussing the specific technique of interlacing materials such as threads, yarns, or strips of fabric to make cloth, baskets, or other items. Weaving has been an important cultural tradition in many societies around the world The artist demonstrated the weaving technique at the workshop
handicraft	Use when referring to any skilled hand-made craft, not limited to basketry, but also including pottery, embroidery, and more. At the fair, there were stalls full of beautiful handicrafts from various cultures His hobby is doing different types of handicraft in his spare time

Word

Description / Examples

basketry

Use in contexts related to the art and craft of making baskets or similar items from interwoven materials.

The museum has an extensive collection of Native American basketry
She learned basketry from her grandmother using traditional techniques

weaving

Use when discussing the specific technique of interlacing materials such as threads, yarns, or strips of fabric to make cloth, baskets, or other items.

Weaving has been an important cultural tradition in many societies around the world
The artist demonstrated the weaving technique at the workshop

handicraft

Use when referring to any skilled hand-made craft, not limited to basketry, but also including pottery, embroidery, and more.

At the fair, there were stalls full of beautiful handicrafts from various cultures
His hobby is doing different types of handicraft in his spare time

Examples of usage

She studied basketry as part of her art class.
The basketry on display at the museum was truly impressive.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'basket' traces back to the Middle English term 'basquet', influenced by the Old French language.
It’s believed the root may come from the Latin word 'bascauda', meaning 'a small container'.
Basketry as a word has been used for hundreds of years to describe the art of weaving baskets.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures worldwide have traditions of basketry; for example, Native American tribes create intricate designs that tell stories.
In Africa, basketry often serves both functional and ceremonial purposes, such as from the San people of Southern Africa who make baskets for food gathering and rituals.
Baskets from different regions often reflect local materials and style, making each piece a unique representation of that culture.

Techniques

Common techniques include coiling, twining, and plaiting which give each basket a distinct appearance.
Some basketry utilizes materials such as willow, bamboo, and rushes, showing the diversity in choices based on what’s available.
Modern basketry sometimes combines traditional methods with contemporary materials, leading to innovative and artistic designs.

Historical Context

Basketry dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence found in ancient archaeological sites demonstrating its importance in daily life.
The oldest known baskets are over 10,000 years old, found in the Middle East, signifying early human creativity and practical needs.
In the past, baskets were essential for storage and transport, highlighting their role in economies and daily living.

Environmental Impact

Basketry often promotes sustainability, as it utilizes natural, renewable resources for crafting.
The practice has seen a resurgence as people seek eco-friendly alternatives to plastic containers.
Basket weaving can enhance biodiversity when natural materials are sourced responsibly, helping maintain ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "basketry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cestaria

🇮🇳 टोकरी बनाने की कला

🇩🇪 Korbmacherei

🇮🇩 kerajinan anyaman

🇺🇦 плетіння кошиків

🇵🇱 koszykarstwo

🇯🇵 籠編み (かごあみ)

🇫🇷 vannerie

🇪🇸 cestería

🇹🇷 sepetçilik

🇰🇷 바구니 짜기

🇸🇦 صناعة السلال

🇨🇿 košíkářství

🇸🇰 košikárstvo

🇨🇳 编篮工艺 (biān lán gōng yì)

🇸🇮 košarstvo

🇮🇸 körfugerð

🇰🇿 себет өру

🇬🇪 კალათბურთი

🇦🇿 səbətçilik

🇲🇽 cestería

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,798, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27795 hedonistic
27796 uncharitable
27797 analogously
27798 basketry
27799 daintily
27800 croak
27801 conscript
...