How to Make a Traditional Woven Basket from a Tree | Short Film Showcase

Using the tools of his late father, Stephen Jerome continues the traditional indigenous art of basket making in this meditative short by filmmaker Heather Condo. Watch the entire process unfold, from chopping down the tree in the forest to weaving in the last element in the studio.

About Short Film Showcase:
The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Get More National Geographic:

Learn more about Wapikoni Mobile and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.

How to Make a Traditional Woven Basket from a Tree | Short Film Showcase

National Geographic

[NatGeo]

For Stephen Jerome, basket-weaving is a unique Mik'maq tradition that has been passed down for generations in his family. What interests you the most about this master basket-maker?

[markromero]

So many skills we take for granted, on this earth that are a disappearing. Glad to see this one preserved.

[Silkendrum]

This video illustrates the virtue of sharp tools!

[MercyS]

I really respect what he's created and how he did so, pretty dope skill

[nuclearnyanboi]

Here in India, we use bamboo. It grows quickly and when one is cut down, no significant damage is caused to the environment

[hph]

Wow! What a craftsman. I'd definitely buy that.

[critterjon]

As a basket weaver myself I can confirm that this dude makes the process to deceptively easy

[Humanimal]

Nice, I just learned something new today. I like this hope you guys post more similar to this.

[destinyhart]

Best video I've ever seen on basket weaving! Thank you.

[icwiz]

wow. The end result was very impressive. I didn't know wood baskets were made like this, the tools etc.

[narnia]

This is so beautiful. I love how there are no words.

[chardonneret]

I love wildlife and I love animals especially birds

[karenuntz]

I love it! ❤ Birch baskets! What a forgotten art! ❤Thanks, @National Geographic! ❤ Still keeping it real! 😉

[ericstorm]

So much more finesse than my plastic basket!

[mihancic]

Very nice video! Love seeing all the specialised tools. Thanks for sharing!!

[gclaireeddy]

Hi there. I see that you recently held a basket making workshop in Queens county. Is it possible for you to provide a workshop in Lunenburg County?
Thanks, Claire

[dollyperry]

Lovely! I wish it had had more detail and had been longer! :)

[wandafrench]

wow..my life is complete in this looney bin..i can now weave baskets..lol..thank you

[adamadict]

Amazing skill. I do hope he gets more than one basket out of that whole tree. Otherwise the term ‘pyrrhic victory’ comes to mind.

[stregananak]

This is beautiful. Why did he smell the tree before he took it? "Smell before you fell." 😊