The history of basketry is intertwined with the history of humanity, because it’s a craft probably prior to weaving. Since the Neolithic that there are traces of the art of basketry.
This craft was used not only for agriculture, but also for building houses, for the construction of walls, roofs, etc.It was also used by the Persians for the manufacturing of shields.
During the 16th century, in Alcácer do sal, there was a production of thin reed, which was very popular in Lisbon to adorn the dais. According to the Iberian tradition, people would have dais in their homes, or small platforms, and the reed mats were used to adorn these small platforms or dais.
This tradition is the origin of some of the artifacts that we see today like baskets or small bags.