basket-making

In the early 20th century, basket making formed the population's main source of income.

In some coastal areas basket making was a major female occupation.

In the villages the basket making is still of great importance.

Handloom weaving and basket making were also undertaken together with primitive coal mining in the Elnup Woods area.

The practice of basket making has evolved into an art.

They are renowned for their fine basket making of distinctive diamond, cross or zig-zag designs or representations of deer, horses or other animals.

So without proper preservation, much of the history of basket making has been lost and is simply speculated upon.

"The exhibit is about the limits to which traditional basket making has been pushed by contemporary fiber artists," said John I. Russell, the center's executive director.

But basket making is a regimented technology; indentations and irregular lines are harder to achieve than smooth contours.

The utilization of rattan in basket making is most likely due to whalers picking up the material while sailing in the South Pacific.