Definition

Noun: 1. The craft or skill of making baskets: Basketry refers to the art, practice, or technique of weaving or constructing baskets and similar objects from flexible materials such as reeds, willow, rattan, or grasses. 2. Baskets collectively; basketwork: It can also refer to the products of this craft, considered as a group or category.

Usage

• Basketry is used as an uncountable noun to describe the craft itself or the items produced.
• It is a specific term within the broader fields of crafts, weaving, and traditional arts.

Examples

• As the craft/skill:
  • She studied traditional basketry techniques from indigenous artisans.
  • The museum's exhibit highlights the history and cultural significance of basketry.
• Referring to the products:
  • The shop sells beautiful Native American basketry.
  • An assortment of fine basketry was displayed on the shelves.

Advanced Usage

• "Fine basketry": Used to describe baskets made with great skill, precision, and often intricate patterns.
  • The collection features examples of fine basketry from around the world.
• "Basketry techniques": Refers to the specific methods, such as coiling, plaiting, or twining, used in basket construction.
  • The course will cover fundamental basketry techniques.

Variants and Related Words

• Basketwork (noun): A synonym for basketry, especially when referring to the crafted items or the woven structure itself.
  • The chair's seat was made of sturdy basketwork.
• Basketmaker (noun): A person who practices the craft of basketry.
  • The local basketmaker uses sustainably harvested willow.

Synonyms

• Basket weaving: The process of making baskets.
• Wickerwork: Objects made of woven wicker, often overlapping with basketry but sometimes used for furniture.
• Plaiting / Weaving: More general terms for interlacing strands, which are the core actions in basketry.

Related Phrases

• The art of basketry: Emphasizes the creative and skilled aspect of the craft.
  • He dedicated his life to mastering the art of basketry.
• Basketry materials: The natural or synthetic fibers used in the craft.
  • Common basketry materials include reed, raffia, and bamboo.

Noun

1. the craft of basket making