will readily be seen that in shape,
texture, use, size, etc., a very wide range of products is here to be
considered. Basketry includes a number of groups of utensils
distinguished from one another by the use to which they are devoted.
There are baskets proper, hampers, cradles, shields, quivers, sieves,
etc. There is frequent historical mention of the use of basketry, but
the descriptions of form and construction are meager. An excellent idea
of the ancient art can be gained from the art of the present time, and
there is every reason to believe that close correspondence exists
throughout.

BASKETS.

Lawson refers to basket-making and other textile arts of the Carolina
Indians in the following language:

The Indian women's work is to cook the victuals for the whole
family, and to make mats, baskets, girdles, of possum hair,
and such like. * * *

The mats the Indian women make are of rushes, and about five
feet high, and two fathom long, and sewed double, that is,
two together; whereby they become very commodious to lay
under our beds, or to sleep on in the summer season in the
day time, and for our slaves in the night.

There are other mats made of flags, which the Tuskeruro
Indians make, and sell to the inhabitants.

The baskets our neighboring Indians make are all made of a
very fine sort of bullrushes, and sometimes of silk grass,
which they work with figures of beasts, birds, fishes, &c.

A great way up in the country, both baskets and mats are made
of the split reeds, which are only the outward shining part
of the cane. Of these I have seen mats, baskets, and dressing
boxes, very artificially done.[6]

James Adair, although, a comparatively recent writer, gives such
definite and valuable information regarding the handiwork of the
Southern Indians that the following extracts may well be made. Speaking
of the Cherokees, he remarks:

They make the handsomest clothes baskets, I ever saw,
considering their materials. They divide large swamp canes,
into long, thin, narrow splinters, which they dye of several
colours, and manage the workmanship so well, that both the
inside and outside are covered with a beautiful variety of
pleasing figures; and, though for the space of two inches
below the upper edge of each basket, it is worked into one,
through the other parts they are worked asunder, as if they
wer