FIG. 52. ROLLS OF SPLINTS, INNER BARK, AND REED.
Ash splints are extensively gathered and prepared by the Indians in certain sections of Canada and the northern states. There they are woven into baskets of intricate design and beautiful colors, usually in combination with other materials, as sweet grass. Splints may be used for almost every purpose for which flat reed is utilized, and in numerous cases is superior and preferable to reed.
In [Fig. 52] is shown in order, two rolls of hickory splints, a bundle of inner hickory bark strips, and a small hank of flat reed. These are in the original bundles as they come from the dealers.
CHAPTER VII
Seats of Reeds and Splints
The discussion of the weaving processes to follow is confined, in the main, to stools or seats. [Fig. 53] shows several stools different in design both in wood construction and in weaving. In two instances it will be noted that weaving is done over a separate frame, one being inserted between the rails, the other fastened on top, leaving a little projection. Reference is made to several possible weaving designs and the use of various mediums and combinations. The possible combinations of materials are merely suggestive of possible other ones, and the individual worker will find that many designs of varying complexity may be worked out. An excellent method for working out possible designs is that of using black and white paper strips ½ in. in width. The design will show up very clearly because of the contrast of the black and white. Experimenting with the weave on the seat itself is rather tedious and unsatisfactory. The paper strips are an excellent means to an end.
The stool top illustrated in [Fig. 54] employs a simple over-and-under weave, utilizing flat reed. The worker needs to decide at the outset on the character of weave to be used unless it be of unusual design. In this instance the weaver runs over three and under three strands, and the wrapping done in a series of three. To begin the operation tack an end of flat reed under a short rail at a corner, then bring the strand out and over the rail, across the frame opening to the opposite rail, under this rail, across underneath the frame opening to the bottom of the first rail. This completes the process once around. Repeat three times; then wrap the strand around the two rails, without running it across the top. Thus every fourth strand across the top is omitted. It is not necessary to cut the strand; the wrapping is continuous. Repeat these series of three strands until opposite short rails are entirely wrapped. When a strand runs out tack the end with the beginning of a new one underneath a rail. Use a one ounce flat head wire tack for this purpose if available, otherwise a one ounce cut tack will do. The weaving proper now begins.