When charcoal was mixed with the rich leaf-mold the splints were colored black.

They tried other ways of weaving

Green grass became white when soaked in water, and yellow if soaked for a longer time.

The women used these and other ways of getting pretty colors.

Then they worked the colors into pretty patterns, many of which we use to-day.

THINGS TO DO

Weave uncolored splints or reeds so as to make different patterns.

Find a fruit that will make a durable stain, and stain some splints for a basket, or make a pattern by staining an uncolored basket.