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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;2manybooks, post: 3277998, member: 8267&quot;]I am afraid you misunderstood me. When I said they were equivalent, I was speaking in terms of their importance among relevant collectors. I then tried to explain why her baskets are so valued. Most people don&#039;t appreciate the skill that goes into a well made basket.</p><p><br /></p><p>Preparation of the materials are surprisingly similar, but on a different scale. The primary material used in Washoe baskets such as Dat So La Lee&#039;s is willow. It is harvested at a particular time, traditionally from stands that have been maintained as coppiced plants. Rods of one year&#039;s growth are used. Those used for stitching are gathered in the fall after the leaves have fallen but before the first frost. Those used for the 3-rod coil foundation can be gathered during the winter. Rods used for the stitching must be split into 3 even parts, typically by starting a split on one end with a knife, then holding one segment in the teeth while working the other 2 sections with the hands down the length of the rod. The pith is then shaved off with a knife (traditionally a clam shell was used), and each strand reduced to an even thickness. Before use, the bark must be peeled and each strand sized to a consistent width by drawing it through a series of different sized holes punched in a can lid (or worked with a knife/clam shell). Care is taken not to scrape the outer surface of the willow, to preserve the white color and surface sheen. Depending on the size of the basket, a great many prepared strands would be required for the stitching elements alone. Bracken fern and redbud, used for the design elements, also had particular preparation requirements. This all before the weaving can even begin. It could take months to complete a high quality basket</p><p><br /></p><p>I might suggest that the Dennis box is valued as much (if not more) for its age and provenance as for any inherent artistic qualities (imo).</p><p><br /></p><p>If your argument is that &quot;big tough man work with big tough material. Little woman only work with twigs&quot; - then we may have an issue........[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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