Notes and queries on anthropology / edited for the Council of the Anthropological Institute by John George Garson, M.D. and Charles Hercules Read, F.S.A.

Date:
1892
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Notes and queries on anthropology / edited for the Council of the Anthropological Institute by John George Garson, M.D. and Charles Hercules Read, F.S.A. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by University of Bristol Library. The original may be consulted at University of Bristol Library.

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    woven, that they are perfectly watertight, like the milk- baskets among the Kaffirs. Basketwork of a coarse kind is sometimes employed in the construction of huts and stockades, and for the manufacture of boats or coracles covered with skin. Bark of trees is in many countries employed as a substitute for basketwork of various kinds, and is even used as a material for boats (No. V.). Articles of clothing, such as hats, and other objects for personal use, such as fans, are frequently made of basketwork. The following questions may serve as hints to the traveller :— 1. What are the materials principally used in basketwork, and how are they prepared ? are any plants specially culti- vated for basket-making 1 2. What are the chief articles manufactured in this manner ? If possible, describe the pro- cess. 3. Wliat are the principal forms of baskets 1 and in what manner are they wrought, and to what purposes applied ? 4. In what manner are they ornamented 1 5. What other articles besides baskets are made in the same manner'? and what are their forms and uses 1 6. Ai'e strainers or colanders made of basketwork ? and if so, for what are they used ? 7. Are special foims of baskets used for special purposes ? are they kept, or are they thrown away after having been once used ? 8. Are baskets or other articles made from the bark of trees, without any plaiting'? what are their forms, and how ornamented ? 9. Ai^e waterproof baskets in use ? and is any material applied to render them waterproof 1 10. Ai-e baskets used as moulds for pottery 1 1 ]. Are the shells or rind of any fruits or vegetables used as substitutes for basketwork ? 12. When the ornament is formed by plait- ing in ditiereut colours, wl a; are the patterns ? representa- tions of animals or plants, or only geometrical forms ? 13. Do these patterns appear upon any other objects than basket- work ? 14. Ai-e vessels of other material covered with basketwork, e.g., pottery, eggs, gourds, &c. ? 15. Are any parts of dress or defensive armour made of basketwork, shields, cuirasses, head gear, or sandals 1 16. Is plaited decoration much used for weapons or utensils ? or are plaited