The art of making baskets is a lost craft among many of the local Nations. It is sad fact that possibly only one or two still practice this craft. The last prolific basket makers were Rose and Francis Cree from the Turtle Mountain Reservation. I believe they are retired. Perhaps one of their relatives is continuing to participate in this craft. I know many Dakotas among the First Nations in Canada used to make Red Willow baskets.
Red Willow baskets are made in many styles and shapes. Some round, some square, some with no handle or one that the handle is incorporated into the basket design. You can visit museums that display these baskets. One is nearby, being the Museum located at the Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Fort Totten. The Louis Riel Institute in Winipeg, Manitoba has a collection. I am sure a search would point to the Minnesota Historical Society in St, Paul.
Making baskets was a way to increase the financial situation of many families’ years ago. It was easier to make beaded items for extra cash than it was to make baskets. The steps in volved in procuring the raw materials were time consuming, but inexpensive compared to purchasing beads.
The willow Tree and the Red Willow bush both come from the Salix family in Botany. The leaves and bark can be boiled to make common aspirin (Acetyl Salicylic Acid) The wood is very strong and light weight, and flexible. The branches were used for Plains ingenious back rests, and eastern floor mats. They are used to make Dream Catchers. The inner bark used to make Tobacco (Cansasa). The branches with intact leaves are used to make shades, arrow shafts, and sweat lodges,
Red Willow (Salix laevigata) Cansasa = Dakota name. was harvested in the fall. Once Thunder was heard it was the signal to stop the gathering of the willows from damp areas.
Only the thinnest in diameter were suitable for use. They were immediately soaked in tubs of water. The frame for the basket is made from the Ash Tree (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) CoHwanica in Dakota. The baskets made from this tree is called CoHwanzica Wohnaka. The tree is cut down and cut into sections of three or more feet, depending on the style of baskets to be made. The ash logs were split into sections about a half inch or less and added to the willows soaking. Now the frame of the basket is assembled using the ash strips. No nails or other metal fasteners are used.
I believe the weaving of the Red Willows begins in the center, using a long piece it is woven over and under the frame and fastened on the opposite side. This continues until the artist believes to add some white color to the red weavings. Strips of red bark are scraped off producing an off-white color. This white band is now woven one to each side to give a balanced effect. More white bands maybe added at the artist whim. The handle, if one is required, is covered by winding Red Willow around. As I have never made a basket or watched one being made, I am sure I have missed many important steps in the basket’s construction.
Speaking of basket weaving, I must mention a willow basket woven to make a fish trap. This has a circle opening with willow sticks attached and gathered into a point or should I say into ice cream cone shape. A small hoop is made for the interior and attached to the exterior willow strips. The trap is baited. The owner must enter a lake and fix the trap to the bottom. Again an internet search will describe and show how to make this style of fish trap.
Dakota also used to make baskets from the Tamarack Tree, that basket was called Makan Opiye. Going online I have discovered that these baskets that are offered for sale are very inexpensive (10 to 25 dollars). For the amount of work required to make a Red Willow basket it is a labor of love. Those who have keen desire to try this craft, there are workshops available to attend. One teacher’s lesson is $70.00 but now add transportation and possibly motel accommodation.
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