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How does coiled basket construction differ from plaited basket construction?

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Basket weaving on Madeira Island, Portugal — Basketry Overview of basketry on Madeira Island, Portugal.

Coiled and plaited basketry differ fundamentally in their structural composition and assembly techniques:

Coiled Construction

The defining feature of coiled construction is a foundation consisting of a single element or standard that is wound in a continuous spiral around itself. The structure is held together by a thread that binds the coils stitch by stitch. Because the foundation is a single, continuous element, this method naturally lends itself to radiating decorative designs, such as star or flower-shaped compositions that sweep from the center to the outer edge.12

Plaited Construction

In plaited construction, the distinction between standards and threads is absent; the elements are indistinguishable and are arranged either parallel and perpendicular to the edge (straight) or obliquely (diagonal). This technique is closely related to textile weaving and utilizes a variety of patterns, such as check, twill, and satin. Unlike the radiating designs of coiled work, plaited basketry typically features overall compositions of horizontal stripes and intertwined geometric motifs.32