Basket weaving in Yap

One of the most common and useful traditional arts in Yap is basket weaving, whether for special gift-giving occasions like the one we just celebrated, or everyday use. Every young girl learns the technique early and uses it throughout her life.

Baskets are often made “on-the-spot.” The most common basket for everyday use begins with a single green palm frond stalk cut from a tree’s trunk. The individual leaflets are then crisscrossed with nimble fingers as the two sides are woven together down the length of the frond to form the base of the basket. When the frond is woven closed, the thick rib is slit lengthwise to open the basket and act as sturdy carrying handles. These carryall baskets are made in many sizes and used to transport everything from babies and taro roots to bananas and breadfruit. They are the ultimate in natural, compostable materials and can be made very quickly, often within five minutes as the maker's experienced fingers twist, turn and adjust the leaflets.

Other types of baskets are made for long-term use from naturally preserved fibers of the pandanus and coconut palms. The shapes, styles and designs are dependent on the weaver’s needs or preferences and with the end user in mind. And, of course, almost every Yapese carries a handheld basket to hold their essential items. This basket is so important that it is often called a “second home,” especially for men.

You may have heard the saying, “wisdom in the basket.” This refers to men who meet to discuss important matters. It is believed that their thoughts should not be expressed quickly or without some contemplation. And so, they reach thoughtfully into their basket to get a betel nut, a pepper leaf and a small bottle of lime made of ground coral. As they prepare their chew, the other men wait silently until the man has pushed the chew into his cheek and is ready to speak. According to Micronesian scholar Father Francis Hezel, “A betel-nut break [provides] a check against impulsive speech. Nothing is so detrimental to the peace and climate of respect as an ill-considered remark.”

For more information on how different types of baskets are made, visit dankainmicronesia.com/basket.html

Weaving the leaflets together begins the process

Next she braids the two sides together to form a strong bottom

Finally she slits the stem lengthwise to open the basket and form handles

Baskets are used to carry and store food for long ocean voyages on traditional canoes

This experienced basket maker is weaving a round basket for produce and prepared foods. Note the light colored stem that will stablize the basket at the bottom.

Nearly done, she finishes braiding the leaflets around the base. Note the exquisite patterns she's created.