Basketry is one of ancient civilizations product that impact and developed into various functional tools in today’s life such as holder, storage, even transporting devices. Baskets are defined as receptacles that are woven by hand of natural fibers. Baskets are part of the heritage of nearly every native people, and types of construction differ as radically as other customs and crafts. Uses for baskets may be the most uniting feature. Dry food is gathered, stored, and served in baskets; liquids are also retained in baskets that have been waterproofed. Basket-making techniques are used for clothing, hats, and mats. Their variety and clever construction also makes baskets desirable as decorations in primitive cultures as well as modern homes.
Indonesian basketry is a dynamic craft, shaped by both environmental and economic factors. Traditionally, shapes and weaves were determined largely by the uses for what the baskets were intended. Nowadays, the materials have significantly changed from natural fibers to include man-made creations like plastic, wire and recycled products. However, natural fibers still average in use everywhere.
Historically, most baskets have been made with willow (which is, in fact, the most popular basket-making material worldwide), twigs, and native grasses. Raffia and rattan have been substituted for these, with raffia taking the place of the grasses and rattan substituting for the more rigid fibers. Raffia is the fiber of the raffia palm, which is native to Southeast Asia. It produces durable, clean strands and can easily be dyed. Rattan is also a tropical palm; its leaves and stems are used in basket making, and it is often called reed or wicker. Rattan does not accept dye as well, and its fibers are hard to work. Usually, it is soaked and woven while the fibers are still damp.
There is also water hyacinth plant that recently popular as one of valuable raw material for woven basket crafts. This innovation of water hyacinth that is produced into unique and stylish basket crafts has defined this plant into new perspective. It’s not an aquatic pest type of plant anymore. Instead it’s one of important part of precious basket craft. We have many kind of water hyacinth basket. If you want to see our factory, please consult to your travel agent in Jogja. They will guide you to our place easily.