Latvian Willow Basketmaking Video

This 12-minute video shows Latvian basketmakers Peteris and Lolita Tutans harvesting, preparing and weaving willow baskets. It includes footage of boiling fresh willow in a wood-fired cooker then peeling the bark for buff willow. You may want to pause the video during the weaving segments to get a closer look at the jigs they use. No need to speak Latvian, since there's no dialog (but a lovely musical score by Janis Miltins).

This came to my attention via Facebook friend Lori Hopkins, by way of Vladimir Dvorak.

Have you discovered videos that show the world of willow? Please share links in the comments!

Bonnie Gale Living Willow Sculpture

Willow Sculpture Garden from Cultivating Life on Vimeo.

Jo Stealey has an article about Bonnie Gale in the Summer 2010 issue of Fiberarts. See more images and the Cultivating Life segment here.