Plain Weave Structures

Plain Weave Structures

       The technique used in the plain weave structures is exemplified in figures 4a and 4b. In these two examples the horizontal elements interlace the vertical elements in an over one, under one pattern. The vertical elements are continued over the rim or edge, which form a continuous running vertical element. The type of splice, if present, which continue the vertical elements are not visible on these specimens. The square knot located on figure 4a was probably used as a splice in order to continue the rim or edge. Figure 4a clearly shows the end of the element close to the remains of a splice. The width of the element indicates they were reaching the end of that element. Edge selvege is present on Figure 4a. The edge selvege consist of two lengths of yucca over which the vertical elements pass. The vertical element turns 180 degrees over the edge to produce an adjacent parallel vertical element. This pattern continues to either the end of the fiber or the edge of structure.
       The original form of these two fragments is uncertain. The weave is similar to the sandal in Figures 4a and 4b but could also represent fragments of baskets, mats or trays. figure 5a, D.U. 391, is a globular shaped, bottomless basket, which measures 16/cm by 16/cm (D.U. accession records, n.d.a.). The weave in this specimen is plain and open. The warp elements pass over a rim element turn 180 degrees and become the adjacent warp element. The element continues to the opposite end of the basket where it passes over another rim and continues in the same pattern. There are two possible explanations which could account for the bottomless construction. The first has been documented by Mason, 1904, 351. "The Mohave and other tribes have curious granaries for storing mesquite beans, corn, etc., near their houses. A platform is constructed on high poles; upon this is placed a round bottomless basket". These baskets, however, are "bird nest like" structures rather than woven. The second alternative is that the bottom of the basket has become disassociated from the remaining portion of the basket. If this is the case since the basket, with two rims, is an intergraded structure it would have been constructed in two parts, the sides and the bottom.
       D.U. 393 (figure 5b) is the remains of a plain, open weave, bowl shaped basket. The remains of this specimen measures, from rim to rim (circumference) approximately 11/cm. A portion of the rim remains on the right and left hand portion of the specimen. The rim is formed from a single element over which the warp elements pass turn 180 degrees over the edge to produce the adjacent and parallel warp element