This book unfolds a 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, plus over 250 photos, 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. Accompanying a museum exhibition of the same name, the 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. AUTHORS: Kristin Schwain is Associate Professor of American Art, History, and Culture at the University of Missouri. Josephine Stealey is a nationally recognized artist, curator, and Professor of Art at the University of Missouri. SELLING POINTS: * A cultural history of American basketry, from its utilitarian origins to the fine art world * Ten contributing authors examine historical, cultural, and aesthetic trends in American basketry * Nearly 250 images present a history and expansive survey of the contemporary scene 248 colour and b/w images.