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How is spiral coiling made in basketry?
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Basketry
Overview of basketry on Madeira Island, Portugal.
In basketry, spiral coiling is a construction technique characterized by a foundation element—known as a standard—that is wound in a continuous spiral around itself. The structure is secured stitch by stitch and coil by coil using a binding thread.1
The specific method of assembly depends on the nature of the standard used:2
- Solid standard: When the standard consists of a single whole stem, the thread binds the two coils together by squeezing them against each other, which creates a diagonal or twilled effect.2
- Double or triple standard: When multiple standards are used, the thread is passed through each stitch to catch one of the standards from the preceding coil.2
This technique is a widespread form of coiled construction found across various regions, including northern Eurasia, northwest North America, the southern Pacific, and parts of Africa.2