Baskets in Polynesia provides an overview of baskets made throughout central Polynesia from the time of early European contact to the present, observing and comparing regional similarities and differences over the course of two hundred years. Wendy Arbeit has collected and augmented much scattered data. The handsome studio photographs complement the text and show the basic techniques involved in the creation of the baskets, while field photographs show baskets in use. Tables present succinct summaries of regional basket types and the great variety of coconut frond baskets.

Once...