Coiled Structures

Coiled Structures

       The coiled technique of basket making is represented by four fragments. The largest piece, (D.U 389, figure 7), is a base fragment. The type of coiling is rod with lateral bundle and non-interlocking stitch. The method of starting was an overhand knot. The work direction is from left to right" (Adavosio n.d.). The construction of the basket incorporates "A single whole unpeeled rod which is sewn with non-interlocking stitches, some of which are occasionally split accidentally. On one side of the rod a fiber bundle is arranged so as to front one face of the basket. Since the specimen is badly charred there is a possibility that the bundle surrounded the rod completely, though this does not appear to be the case. Splice type is not discernible. This specimen is unpitched and not watertight, nor is there any decoration. Measurements: Coils per cm-2; Stitches per cm-3" (ibid).
       The second fragment (W.M A5,) located at the Woolaroc Museum has been described as coiled basketry with a split stitch foundation. The foundation element is grass. The maximum length is 7/cm; maximum width 1.3/cm. The specimen is tightly woven.
       The third fragment (WM A4-1) has a split stitch with a grass foundation element. The maximum length is 5.4/cm; maximum *** width is 1.7/cm. It is tightly woven and appears to have been blackened by burning. Both two and three have been described as being made of Yucca. (WM accession records)