Rooted, Revived, Reinvented

Ten contributing authors examine the cultural history of American basketry, from its utilitarian origins to the fine art world

Rooted, Revived, Reinvented is a visual history of American basketry, from its origins in Native American, immigrant, and slave communities, to its contemporary presence in the fine art world. Ten contributing authors from different areas of expertise, and over 250 photographs, insightfully show how baskets convey meaning through the artists' selection of materials, the techniques they use, and the colors, designs, patterns, and textures they employ.

This book illustrates how the processes of industrialization changed the audiences, materials, and uses for basketry. It also surveys the visual landscape of basketry today; while some contemporary artists seek to maintain and revive traditions practiced for centuries, others combine age-old techniques with nontraditional materials to generate cultural commentary.

This comprehensive treasury will be of vital interest to artists, collectors, curators, and historians of American basketry, textiles, and sculpture.