Basketry is the oldest of the crafts but today only a limited number of people are involved in production.  Over the years the need for young women to help contribute to the families income, in order to survive, along with the loss of old customs has lowered the status of basketry that most groups have almost totally stopped weaving.

In addition to the need for the basket makers to find other income the problems finding materials has also hurt in basket production.  Materials that were once common and widely dispersed over the Reservation have become scarce, making it harder and harder for the weavers.  Willow, one of the most common materials used in the better baskets, has disappeared on many reservations because of the need to clear the streams beds or divert the water for domestic use.  Yucca has also disappeared in many places.  Other items such as bear grass, tules, cattail, cottonwood and juncus have become scare, limiting production. 

Prices on baskets are determined by a number of factors.  The most important factors are the overall appearance, fineness of weave, type of materials used, how well the materials were prepare, shape, complexity of design, number produced, size and the tribe that produced the basket.