- Item: Iris Leaf Basket
- East Kingdom Wiki Link: https://wiki.eastkingdom.org/wiki/Tiffan_Fairamay
I harvested and briefly dried blue flag iris leaves in the autumn. I worked with them to make a wrapped coil type basket inspired by the technique used to make pieces of mesolithic basketry found in the Cueva de los Murciélagos (cave system) near Zuheros in Spain. Many of the original pieces were made out of esparto grass. Iris leaves are much wider than esparto grass, but they are abundant here and afforded me the opportunity to explore this method of basket making. I am now in love with iris even more than before.
To view more images, video, and information about this project please follow the link below and scroll down to Water Plants: Blue Flag Iris. This project is part of a growing body of work exploring ancestral lifeways, foraging, place, and plants.
Optional Additional Links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15Si2Cvwkly_9iY7Uu0ymW6M3vhTO7WO4oEW8bEhI1g4/edit?usp=sharing
Your basket looks amazing, such a regular weave! Thank you for sharing additional information!
Great job! Now I wonder what they used it for. Everything imaginable or just select things, ex like a bread basket before baking. Kudos to you for a job well done.
Awesome to see more coiled basketry using available materials from the local landscape! I love this (and the helpful info you shared about experiences with other plants as well).