Baskets by Kerry Vincent

The Soul Food Cafe provides prompts and challenges for those who wish to participate in the Pythian Games This is one, suggested activity.

"Among the earliest Pomo Indians on the West Coast, baskets were made to carry babies and trap fish, to hold acorns and seed grains, to cradle collected shells and bring wild berries to hungry children. These peaceful people of the Ghost Dance made some of the most beautiful baskets in the world, intricately weaving into the fibers tiny feathers that turned them into the sought-after "feather baskets" so rare today. At a traditional Pomo wedding, the bride would give her groom a feathered "dowry basket," called chimopika, which he would fill with pine sugar or other sweets to share among the guests."

Sister Basket (So named because because the two halves are identical, like 'sisters'. These were made by Ngarrindijeri people of south east South Australia.)

Baskets hold what's important to us. We use them every day, for all sorts of tasks. Baskets are carriers of culture. Gulah and Geechee descendents of African slaves handed down the low country sweet grass basket-making tradition, keeping their culture alive, while making a living.

Currently, at the South Australian Museum, an exhibit titled "Twined Together" is the first major showcase of work from the Kunwinjku women artists of Gunbalanya the "stone country" of western Arnhem Land. It is an insight into the complexity and artistry of fibre forms - including baskets, bags and mats - utilised by the Kunwinjku.

Making baskets and weaving are social activities, in which important cultural information, stories and information about the land is shared and passed down to the next generation. Weavers are also involved in wide-ranging trade relationships with other groups.