Coiling is one technique of basketry used by Native Americans across North America. Coil baskets of different regions have various styles of construction depending upon the materials used in the coil, and the type of stitch used to fasten or interlock the coils together. All coiled containers use a flexible 'coil' which begins from the center at the bottom of a basket, or sometimes begins around a flat disk of bark or wood. The coil is spiraled outward and upward, placed on top of the coil in previous round, and fastened to former rounds by some stitching material.

Mouse over the center of the photo to watch an animated coil basket emerge ~~~>

A coil basket spirals outward and upward...
Coiling Cover Page Coiling Background and History