University of East Anglia - Basket cases

Basketry, one of the oldest forms of human technology, is the focus of a major research project at the University of East Anglia. The two-and-a-half-year programme, nicknamed "Beyond the Basket", will explore the role of basketry in human culture over 10,000 years in Europe, Africa and beyond. Researchers will also look at the future of basketry and the solutions it could offer to current world issues. Sandy Heslop, senior lecturer in UEA's School of World Art Studies and leader of the project, said: "Without basketry there would be no civilisations. You can't bring thousands of people together unless you can supply them, and you can't bring in supplies to feed populations without containers." The project will culminate in an exhibition in 2011.