Basketmaker

Basketmakers use stiff fibres to manually weave objects such as containers, baskets, mats and furniture. They use various traditional techniques and materials according to the region and the intended use of the object.

The following job titles also refer to basketmaker:

artisan basket weaver
reed weaver
basket reed weaver
reed weaving handicraft worker
basket weaver
basket weaving handicraft worker
reed basket weaver

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a basketmaker.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Basketmaker is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to basketmaker.

woodcarver
wicker furniture maker
frame maker
cooper
idiophone musical instruments maker

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of basketmaker. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of basketmaker with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

carpenter supervisor
bridge inspector
sport facility manager
aromatherapist
asphalt laboratory technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of basketmaker.

• Wicker materials: Wicker is woven fiber forming a stiff structure that is used for wicker furniture such as chairs, tables and couches. Various materials can be used for different purposes and aesthetic effects such as willow branches, rattan, cane or bamboo. Sometimes, plastic fibers are used as well.
• Wicker weaving techniques: Techniques to weave materials with various degrees of flexibility and thickness, and producing different patterns such as the hole-to-hole chair caning, the press cane webbing or the natural hand-twisted bulrush.
• Wood cuts: Different ways of cutting wood, across the grain or parallel with it, and radial or tangential to the core. The behaviour of cuts of wood under different circumstances and the optimal cut for a given purpose. Influence of special attributes of the wood, like knots or defects.
• Types of wood: Types of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.

These skills are necessary for the role of basketmaker.

• Maintain edged hand tools: Identify and repair defects in a hand tool handle or shaft. Ensure the tool is in safe working condition. Identify defective and dull cutting edges in tools and use appropriate equipment to sharpen them. Store tools correctly to maintain condition and usage safety.
• Prepare wicker material for weaving: Apply preliminary treatment such as soaking to prepare the chosen materials and cut it to the right dimensions by means of drilling, heating, bending or other techniques.
• Use wood carving knives: Use specialised and custom made knives, gouges, and chisels to carve out and cut objects from wooden or paper surfaces.
• Perform basket weaving: Intertwine materials with various degrees of flexibility and thickness to produce a basket or a similar form.
• Manipulate wicker material: Manipulate the properties, shape, and size of different sorts of traditional weaving material, such as various plants and wood materials.
• Check quality of raw materials: Check the quality of basic materials used for the production of semi-finished and finished goods by assessing some of its characteristics and, if needed, select samples to be analysed.
• Apply wood finishes: Use a variety of techniques to finish wood. Paint, varnish and stain wood to improve its function, durability, or appearance.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of basketmaker. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Pruning techniques: The techniques of selectively removing parts of trees and plants to foster better growth and regeneration.
• Manufacturing of daily use goods: The manufacturing of items used in the daily life, personal use or daily practice. These products include protective safety equipment, drawing equipment, stamps, umbrellas, cigarette lighters, baskets, candles, and many other miscellaneous articles.
• Pruning types: Different approached to pruning trees, such as thinning, removal, etc.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of basketmaker. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manage supplies: Monitor and control the flow of supplies that includes the purchase, storage and movement of the required quality of raw materials, and also work-in-progress inventory. Manage supply chain activities and synchronise supply with demand of production and customer.
• Pass on trade techniques: Pass on knowledge and skills, explain and demonstrate the application of equipment and materials and answer questions about trade techniques for the manufacturing of products.
• Sell services: Encourage sales by identifying the customer’s buying needs and by promoting benefits and features of the organisation’s services. Respond to and resolve customer objections and agree to mutually beneficial terms and conditions.
• Apply restoration techniques: Select and apply appropriate restoration techniques in order to achieve the required restoration goals. This encompasses preventive measures, remedial measures, restoration processes and management processes.
• Sell products: Encourage sales by identifying the customer’s buying needs and by promoting benefits and features of the organisation’s products. Respond to and resolve customer objections and agree to mutually beneficial terms and conditions.
• Evaluate restoration procedures: Evaluate the outcome of conservation and restoration procedures. Evaluate the degree of risk, success of treatment or activity and communicate the results.
• Identify customer’s needs: Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
• Estimate restoration costs: Estimate the cost implications of restoring and replacing products or parts.
• Negotiate supplier arrangements: Reach an agreement with the supplier upon technical, quantity, quality, price, conditions, storage, packaging, send-back and other requirements related to the purchasing and delivering process.
• Design objects to be crafted: Sketch, draw or design sketches and drawings from memory, live models, manufactured products or reference materials in the process of crafting and sculpting.
• Demonstrate products’ features: Demonstrate how to use a product in a correct and safe manner, provide customers with information on the product’s main features and benefits, explain operation, correct use and maintenance. Persuade potential customers to purchase items.
• Produce customised products: Produce goods designed and created to fit the specific needs or request of a customer.
• Operate wood sawing equipment: Operate various machinery and equipment to cut wood in different sizes and shapes.
• Store products: Store products to ensure the quality and in accordance with standards and regulations. Ensure the stock facilities are kept according to hygiene standards, regulating temperature, heating and air conditioning of storage facilities.

7317 – Handicraft workers in wood, basketry and related materials

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References

1. Basketmaker – ESCO
2. Featured image: By Elvert Barnes from Hyattsville MD, USA – 39.SFF41.Day2.NM.WDC.28jun07, CC BY 2.0