Many of us have participated in one or more of America's favorite pastimes-shopping for something special at a non-traditional store.
Having lived in a historic house, I found decorating a challenge and a learning experience. Neighbors with similar older houses made their homes more attractive by hanging baskets from their ceilings, on staircases, and wherever they could to add charm. Baskets were functional and beautiful. They were used to hold paper, store items, collect fruits and vegetables, organize, and hold food for picnics.
Like my neighbors, I caught the basket bug. Most baskets were inexpensive. Then I learned, 'there are baskets, and there are baskets.' Baskets made by Native Americans, Inuit baskets made in Alaska, Hermes and other high-end designers, Pima, Jose Reyes of Nantucket, Shaker baskets, and many more had high price tags. Baskets with unique designs are made in many countries across all continents.
I learned the origin of baskets (Egypt), the first being over 10,000 years old, predating pottery. The word wicker comes from the Swedish word 'Vika', meaning 'to fold'. Wicker refers to weaving plant fibers such as willow and rattan.
Baskets are multifunctional and can be used to decorate homes and offices. Baskets are unique, rare, and beautiful. If investigated, they can tell a story. Dave's Discovery Den continues to search for those baskets with a story for our members.