Pandanus BasketsArticle | Updated 1 decade ago Pandanus Basket F3007 from the Coluquhon collection. WA Museum The majority of baskets in this collection are made from fiber material taken from the Pandanus plant. Growing in the Pacific region, the Pandanus family of plants (Scientific name: Pandanacea) consists of approximately 600 species whose leaves can be used extensively in weaving practice, housing, clothing and textiles. Most Pandanus plants vary from small shrubs to moderately sized trees, but should not be confused with palm trees. The plants themselves are resilient to adverse environmental conditions and propagate easily, making them perfect for cultivation. When harvesting the Pandanus plant for basketry, weavers cut away young leaves, strip away the edge and middle sections, and place cuttings outside for drying. Once dry, the weaver can select and cut sections of the harvest to the specific size and shape necessary. The leaves may also be dyed at this point to suit a specific basket design. Xavier holding one Pandanus Baskets up for inspection. Image copyright WA Museum The collections Polynesian Leaf Baskets are prime examples Pandanus weaving in action. Their square and handled design with alternating color strips has proven very popular in the Polynesian region. These types of Baskets are excellent examples of weaving practices and designs that transcend cultural boundaries, and are instead more related to the climatic niche of the Pandanus plant. Further Reading Arbeit, W. & Peebles, D. (1990). Baskets in Polynesia. Hawaii Press. USA.