The History of Pine Needle Basketry. Respecting the roots across continents.
Pine needle basketry is one of the oldest known crafts, born from a universal human need to make use of what nature provides. Across the world, people have coiled fallen needles, grasses, and fibres into strong, beautiful baskets used for gathering, storing, and gifting. These vessels are more than just practical, they are carriers of memory, identity, and culture.
In North America, pine needle basketry is especially tied to Indigenous peoples, particularly in the Southeastern United States. Tribes like the Seminole, Creek, and Cherokee developed intricate coiling methods using longleaf pine needles, sweetgrass, and sinew. These baskets were often made by women and passed down through generations, with patterns and techniques carrying tribal stories and values. The craft was not only utilitarian but spiritual, woven with intention, and sometimes used in ceremonies or trade.
Across the Pacific, Aboriginal Australians also carry a long-standing tradition of basketry, though the materials vary depending on the region. While pine trees are not native to most of Australia, introduced species such as radiata pine have found their way into some modern Aboriginal weavers’ work. Traditionally, Aboriginal women used native grasses, pandanus, vines, and bark to create coiled and twined baskets. These were essential tools for food gathering, but also held deep cultural importance. Each basket reflects a knowledge of Country, a relationship with the land, and the wisdom of women’s work.
In some communities today, both in the Americas and Australia, basketry is experiencing a revival, not only as a way to preserve traditional knowledge but also as a form of art, healing, and resistance. Contemporary weavers continue to pass on old techniques while adapting new forms and materials. For some, it is a way to reclaim identity and language. For others, it is a path back to mindfulness and the land.
While pine needle basketry may have gained popularity as a folk art or hobby in modern times, its roots reach deep into Indigenous traditions across continents. Honouring those origins means recognising that this craft is not just decorative. It is part of the living heritage of First Nations peoples who have woven their survival and stories into every coil.
As we pick up the needle and wrap each stitch, we are part of a much older conversation, one that spans oceans and generations, and reminds us that what we make with our hands can hold history, if we let it.
