Introduction to Basketry
Basketry combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design, offering both cultural preservation and economic opportunities. This guide explores the complete curriculum from material selection to business development.
Core Content Areas
1. Fundamentals of Basketry <a id="fundamentals"></a>
Competencies:
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Define basketry and its cultural significance
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Identify Ghana's major basketry industries
Key Topics: ✔ Historical roots of weaving ✔ Economic vs. artistic applications
Activity Idea: Map Ghana's basketry hubs and their specialty products
2. Materials & Preparation <a id="materials"></a>
Essential Skills:
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Sustainable harvesting techniques
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Material classification (rattan, raffia, bamboo)
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Storage and preservation methods
Eco-Tip: "Leave the root" harvesting ensures regrowth
3. Tools & Equipment <a id="tools"></a>
Toolkit Essentials:
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Traditional: Awls, knives, shaving tools
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DIY: Crafting simple tools from local materials
Safety Note: Always cut away from the body when shaping spokes
4. Design & Construction <a id="design"></a>
Techniques Covered:
| Method | Application |
|---|---|
| Coiling | Round baskets |
| Plaiting | Flat mats |
| Frame Weaving | Structural items |
Project Example: Create a hexagonal market basket using over-under weave
5. Decoration & Finishing <a id="decoration"></a>
Enhancement Methods:
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Natural dyes (turmeric, indigo)
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Embellishments: Beads, leather accents
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Protective finishes: Beeswax, lacquer
Pro Technique: "Scorching" creates beautiful gradient patterns
6. Basketry Business <a id="business"></a>
Entrepreneurial Focus:
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Costing raw materials
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Pricing strategies
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Packaging for export
Success Story: How Ghanaian baskets gained global popularity
7. Sustainable Practices <a id="sustainability"></a>
Key Strategies:
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Reforestation programs
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Waste-to-weave initiatives
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SDG alignment (Goals 8, 12, 15)
Innovation Spotlight: Recycled plastic fiber weaving
8. Technology in Basketry <a id="technology"></a>
Digital Integration:
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3D design software (Rhino, AutoCAD)
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E-commerce platforms
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Social media marketing
Workshop Idea: Photographing products for online stores
Assessment Framework <a id="assessment"></a>
Cognitive Levels Weighting:
| Content Area | Recall (15%) | Skills (25%) | Strategic Thinking (30%) | Extended Thinking (30%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | 3 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 21% |
| Tools & Construction | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 19% |
| Total | 15% | 25% | 30% | 30% | 100% |
Key Takeaways <a id="key-takeaways"></a>
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Core Focus Areas:
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Material knowledge (21%) and construction techniques (19%) dominate
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60% assessment tests applied skills and innovation
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Cultural Preservation:
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Teaches traditional Ghanaian weaving patterns
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Addresses modern sustainability challenges
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Career Pathways:
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Artisan cooperatives
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Export business development
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Cultural tourism experiences
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Teaching Resources:
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National Basket Association (replace with actual resource)
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African Basketry: Traditions and Techniques (Reference Book)