Keeping an Ancient Tradition Alive

The craft of pine needle basketry is almost completely gone, but one Bismarck woman wants to keep the tradition alive.
 
Eileen Mcenroe first became interested in the craft after picking up a book at the library and now she’s teaching her skills at the West Fargo Public Library.

Mcenroe picked up the craft 10 years ago.

She has traveled to Arkansas and Alaska, along with online courses to learn the art of basket making.

“It’s so unique, so different, so unusual for the materials that you use, that people are just absolutely amazed you could make something out of what you rake and throw away outside,” says Pine Needle Basketry Instructor, Eileen Mcenroe.

Mcenroe uses a coil technique to shape the basket.

In total, she’s made between 500 and 600 baskets.