History of Macramé

The origin of Macramé is generally attributed to Arabic weavers during the 13th century, using
decorative knots to finish the loose ends of hand-woven textiles. However, decorative knot-tying can
also be traced back to third-century China on ceremonial textiles as well as wall hangings.

The craft of macramé is linked with the craft of weaving and is also linked with netting. As a craft
requiring almost nothing except string, nimble fingers, and time, it became very popular with British
sailors in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Sailing ships required men who were skilled in rope work,
splicing, and plaiting. Sailors played a large role in keeping Macramé alive and sharing the art with new
lands. Knots had many practical uses aboard their ships, but decorative knot-tying kept hands and minds
occupied during long voyages. Furthermore, they would sell and barter their knotted goods such as
hammocks, belts and hats at port. It is not surprising that they should have turned to finer work to while
away their hours and make gifts for a wife or sweetheart who might then learn macramé for herself.

Macramé could be used to decorate almost anything and could be found in every prosperous 19th
century home. With the introduction of machine lace for clothes and a desire for simpler furnishing
styles, the art of macramé was almost forgotten. The last few years have seen a revival as another
generation rediscovers its fascination.

History of Basketry

Basketry or basket making is one of the oldest crafts. Traces of baskets have been found in the Egyptian
pyramids, and woven basket liners have left their impressions inside the fragments of ancient pottery.
As soon as man (and woman!) were able to plait fibers together, they began to experiment with
structures for woven containers. Prehistoric humans used limbs, leaves, and vines woven together to
carry their supplies.

Since the materials for basketry are as close as the nearest palm tree, cane stalks, or rush, its
development was universal. Early weavers sometimes lined their baskets with clay to make them
watertight; from these beginnings, pottery has developed.

Today, basket making survives in many parts of the world using forms, techniques, and materials similar
to those employed in previous ages. In the Philippines, raw materials for basket weaving are abundant.
The most common are bamboo, rattan, and abaca. Baskets coming from the lowland are usually made of
bamboo and abaca, while in mountainous places, the main raw material used is chiefly of rattan. The
four types of basket found in the Philippines are snare and traps, holding basket, carrying basket, and
sieves and strainers. Traditional designs are still employed in making these four types of basket for
special purposes, such as crab and lobster pots, fish traps, eel traps, bird and fowl snares, holding
baskets, and carrying baskets. Today, the basket weaving industry in the country has gone a long way, as
it remains to be a major basket making producer abroad.