“From the Hands of a Weaver” is a history of basket making on the Olympic Peninsula, edited by Jacilee Wray. Gardening was an important part of this craft as “…sophisticated techniques conducted by indigenous cultures altered the landscape, the species composition, and individual plants, ensuring that the highest-quality basketry materials were continuously available for use.”
Several plants were used in this craft, ranging from the mighty cedars (Thuja plicata) to more humble beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax), but all required intimate knowledge of these plants for the best results. I found the practices used by the different tribes, from plant selection and harvest to the design and production of the baskets, very engaging.
Excerpted from the Spring 2013 Arboretum Bulletin.