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from Wikipedia
On the left side are live fowl baskets. Directly to the right are flat baskets used for selling shrimp and small fish in Haikou City, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China.

A basket is a container that is traditionally constructed from stiff fibers, and can be made from a range of materials, including wood splints, runners, and cane. While most baskets are made from plant materials, other materials such as horsehair, baleen, or metal wire can be used. Baskets are generally woven by hand. Some baskets are fitted with a lid, while others are left open on top.

Uses

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Baskets serve utilitarian as well as aesthetic purposes. Some baskets are ceremonial, that is religious, in nature.[1] While baskets are usually used for harvesting, storage and transport,[2] specialized baskets are used as sieves for a variety of purposes, including cooking, processing seeds or grains, tossing gambling pieces, rattles, fans, fish traps, and laundry.

History

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A young man making a palm basket.

Prior to the invention of woven baskets, people used tree bark to make simple containers. These containers could be used to transport gathered food and other items, but crumbled after only a few uses. Weaving strips of bark or other plant material to support the bark containers would be the next step, followed by entirely woven baskets. The last innovation appears to be baskets so tightly woven that they could hold water.[citation needed]

Depending on soil conditions, baskets may or may not be preserved in the archaeological record. Sites in the Middle East show that weaving techniques were used to make mats, and possibly also baskets, circa 8000 BCE.[citation needed] Twined baskets date back to 7000 [1] in Oasisamerica. Baskets made with interwoven techniques were common at 3000 BCE.

Baskets were originally designed as multi-purpose vessels to carry and store materials and to keep stray items about the home. The plant life available in a region affects the choice of material, which in turn influences the weaving technique. Rattan and other members of the Arecaceae or palm tree family, the thin grasses of temperate regions, and broad-leaved tropical bromeliads each require a different method of twisting and braiding to be made into a basket. The practice of basket making has evolved into an art. Artistic freedom allows basket makers a wide choice of colors, materials, sizes, patterns, and details.

The carrying of a basket on the head, particularly by rural women, has long been practiced. Representations of this in Ancient Greek art are called Canephorae.

Figurative and literary usage

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The phrase "to hell in a handbasket" means to deteriorate rapidly. The origin of this use is unclear. "Basket" is sometimes used as an adjective for a person who is born out of wedlock.[3] This occurs more commonly in British English. "Basket" also refers to a bulge in a man's crotch.[3] The word “basket” is frequently used in the colloquial “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” In this sense, the eggs are a metaphor for a chance at success, while the basket figuratively represents a single method or option.

Materials

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Basket makers use a wide range of materials, including:

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See also

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References

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Sources

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A basket is a versatile container crafted by intertwining flexible natural or synthetic materials into rigid, three-dimensional forms, serving both practical and artistic purposes across cultures worldwide. Basketry, the craft of making baskets, ranks among humanity's oldest technologies, predating and evidenced by impressions in ancient clay fragments and cave floors. The oldest known complete basket dates to approximately 10,500 years ago, highlighting its enduring role in human innovation. Traditionally produced by and rural communities, baskets reflect local environments through regionally available materials such as reeds, grasses, pine needles, , palm leaves, vines, tree roots, bark, corn husks, cedar bark, spruce root, cattail, and wood splints like black or ash strips. These materials are harvested seasonally, processed for pliability—often by pounding, splitting, or soaking—and woven using techniques including , plaiting, twining, wickerwork, and rib construction to create shapes ranging from simple open forms to lidded or handled designs. Historically, baskets have fulfilled essential utilitarian functions, including food gathering and storage (such as burden baskets for carrying loads or watertight vessels for cooking with heated stones), household organization (holding clothing, tools, and other items), and even structural roles like mats, cradles, rain capes, and hats. In regions like the Northeastern United States, tribes such as the Mohegan, Pequot, and Nipmuck have woven ash splint baskets since ancient times, with skills passed down through generations and adapted during European colonization in the 17th century by incorporating metal tools and commercial dyes. By the 19th century, basket production surged for trade and tourism, as seen in Appalachian and Woodstock-area traditions where families like the Harlows and Reeds manufactured thousands annually using black ash for both everyday harvest baskets and ornate decorative pieces. Ceremonial uses further underscore their cultural depth, such as the Chilkat Tlingit’s 19th-century “Mother Basket” symbolizing crest displays and spiritual significance. Today, basketry persists as a living art form, predominantly practiced by women in many traditions, with contemporary producing works for galleries and markets using both traditional and modern materials like or . However, challenges such as loss and invasive threats—like the beetle, which has spread across 37 U.S. states and parts of since 2002 as of 2025—endanger key resources, prompting efforts to sustain these biodegradable, low-impact crafts that utilize fast-growing, renewable fibers.

Definition and Types

Definition

A basket is a container constructed by interlacing flexible materials, such as thin strips of , reeds, or synthetic fibers, primarily used for carrying, storing, or organizing items. This weaving technique creates a rigid or semi-rigid structure that maintains its shape under moderate load, distinguishing baskets from pliable bags, which rely on fabric or soft materials without inherent , and from solid boxes, which use non-interwoven panels for enclosure. The term "basket" derives from Middle English "basket," adopted around the early 13th century from Anglo-Norman "bascat" or "baschet," denoting a vessel woven from thin wood or flexible elements; its deeper origins remain obscure, though some linguists link it to a presumed Celtic root for a wooden . Structurally, a basket typically comprises a flat or rounded base for stability, vertical or slanted sides woven upward from the base to form walls, a reinforced rim encircling the upper edge for durability, and, in many designs, integrated or attached handles to facilitate transport. These elements allow for diverse forms, from simple market carriers to ornate decorative pieces.

Types of Baskets

Baskets are classified by form into several basic shapes that influence their utility and aesthetic appeal. Round baskets, often used for gathering or storage, provide even distribution of contents and are common in many traditions. and rectangular forms offer elongated spaces suitable for linear items like or textiles, while conical shapes facilitate easy pouring or stacking, as seen in or harvesting contexts. Flat trays, resembling shallow pans, serve for sifting or displaying goods. Functional types of baskets are designed around specific purposes, adapting form to practical needs. Storage baskets, typically lidded or enclosed, protect contents from dust and pests, such as those used for grains or items. Carrying baskets, including creels strapped to the body, enable hands-free of loads like or over distances. Harvesting baskets prioritize durability and ventilation for crops, while laundry baskets feature open weaves for during cycles. Decorative baskets emphasize ornamental patterns and may double as centerpieces without heavy utility demands. Regional variations highlight cultural adaptations in basket design, often tied to local resources and traditions. Native American coiled baskets, prevalent in the Southwest and , include tightly woven forms for water carrying or ceremonial use, such as Navajo wedding baskets with symbolic motifs. African coiled or twined baskets vary widely; for instance, Ethiopian Harari lidded bowls store spices, while Moroccan trays aid in grain separation, reflecting nomadic and agricultural lifestyles. European baskets, common in the and , encompass rectangular hampers for market transport and round skeps for , valued for their flexibility. Asian baskets, particularly from and the , feature conical or hexagonal shapes for ceremonies or rice storage, with regional styles like Suruga ware emphasizing refined proportions. Modern synthetic baskets represent evolutions of traditional designs, incorporating materials like or wire for enhanced and in contemporary settings. variants mimic woven forms for or storage, resisting without the need for fibers like . Wire baskets, often rectangular or nested, provide ventilation and strength for , adapting carrying functions to urban environments.

History

Origins and Early Development

The origins of basketry trace back to the period, with the earliest indirect evidence coming from impressions of woven fibers preserved in fired clay at the site of in the , dating to approximately 26,000 years ago. These imprints suggest the use of plant fibers for cordage and possibly simple basket-like structures, indicating early human experimentation with weaving techniques for containment and transport. Direct evidence of preserved basketry appears later, with the oldest known intact woven basket discovered in Nahal Hemar Cave in Israel's Judean Desert, radiocarbon dated to about 10,500 years ago during the period; this large, lidded vessel, crafted from plant materials, demonstrates advanced twining methods for storage purposes. In ancient civilizations, basketry evolved alongside the rise of and settled communities. In the Nile Valley, baskets made from reeds and date to the period around 5000 BCE, as evidenced by remains from the Fayum Depression, where they facilitated the storage and transport of harvested grains and other agricultural products essential to early farming societies. Similarly, in , reed-based baskets emerged by the late (circa 5500–4000 BCE) and became integral to daily life, serving as durable containers for grain storage in the fertile riverine environments that supported the region's early urban centers. These developments highlight basketry's role in enabling surplus management and in nascent agricultural systems. In , impressions on earthenware from the in indicate basketry use around 7,000 years ago. Early innovations in basketry included the addition of handles for improved portability, appearing in Egyptian and Mesopotamian examples by around 3000 BCE, as seen in artifacts from predynastic tombs and Sumerian sites, which enhanced functionality for carrying loads over distances. Baskets also featured prominently in early networks, with Mesopotamian reed varieties exported alongside textiles and ceramics to facilitate the exchange of goods across the , and in practices, where Egyptian tomb deposits from the same era included woven containers stocked with provisions symbolizing sustenance for the . Such adaptations underscore basketry's versatility in supporting emerging social and economic structures. Portable baskets played a crucial role in prehistoric societies, aiding by allowing efficient collection and transport of wild plants, nuts, and small game, which was vital for survival during seasonal migrations across diverse landscapes. Archaeological finds from sites, such as the 9,500-year-old esparto grass baskets in Cueva de los Murciélagos in , reveal sophisticated designs used by these mobile groups to carry resources over long distances, thereby facilitating human dispersal and adaptation to new environments without reliance on permanent storage. This portability likely contributed to the spread of early human populations, enabling sustained mobility in pre-agricultural contexts. Similar early evidence appears in the , where basketry fragments date to approximately 10,000 years ago.

Evolution Across Cultures and Eras

In medieval Europe, basketmaking emerged as a regulated with the formation of guilds starting in the , which organized artisans, set quality standards, and protected trade interests across cities like and . These guilds, such as the precursors to the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, facilitated the specialization of wickerwork, which became integral to furniture production by the period, including chairs and cradles that blended functionality with ornamental designs. During the 18th and 19th centuries, colonial trade profoundly disrupted indigenous basketry traditions in Native American and African communities, as European demand for exotic goods led to the of native techniques while suppressing local practices through resource extraction and . In , Native weavers adapted designs to appeal to colonial markets, creating hybrid styles that incorporated European motifs into traditional coiled or twined forms, such as those seen in and baskets. Similarly, in the American South, enslaved Africans from regions like the Congo and fused their coiled grass techniques with local materials, resulting in distinctive sweetgrass baskets that symbolized resilience amid forced labor on rice plantations. The in the marked a pivotal shift in and America, where enabled of baskets, transitioning from handwoven osier to durable alternatives like wire and processed cane for industrial applications such as shipping and agriculture. In Britain and the , factories introduced steam-powered splitting and peeling machines for cane, allowing for standardized output that met growing urban demands, while wicker furniture gained popularity for its lightweight and affordable qualities in Victorian households. In the 20th and 21st centuries, globalization spurred revival movements that preserved and innovated basketry traditions, with organizations promoting sustainable practices amid declining artisanal skills. UNESCO has recognized various basketry forms as intangible cultural heritage, underscoring their role in community identity, such as the traditional coiled techniques in sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas. In Japan, bamboo basketry (takezaiku) has been designated a national important intangible cultural property, fueling contemporary revivals that blend ancient methods with modern design. Cultural exchanges along ancient trade routes like the facilitated the diffusion of various Asian techniques and motifs to the West, enriching crafts across regions from to .

Materials and Construction

Common Materials

Basketry commonly employs a variety of natural fibers derived from plants, prized for their pliability and structural qualities. (Salix spp.) is a staple material, offering flexibility when harvested young and wet, while becoming lightweight and tough upon drying, making it ideal for durable constructions. Reeds, particularly , provide exceptional durability due to their natural resistance to decay and robust stalk structure, suitable for long-lasting weaves. Grasses and rushes, with their long, thin, often hollow stems, enable fine, intricate patterns, though they are generally less robust than woody alternatives. Other plant-based materials expand the range of textures and strengths in basketry, particularly in specific regions. Bamboo, a rigid grass prevalent in Asian traditions, imparts strength and stiffness to structures, leveraging its high for supportive elements. needles feature prominently in Native American coiled basketry, valued for their length—up to 20 inches in longleaf varieties—and resistance to damp conditions, facilitating easier than split wood. In tropical areas, —derived from climbing palms—supplies long, tough, slender stems that enhance overall resilience in woven forms. Additional materials from Indigenous traditions include corn husks, used in coiled and twined baskets by Native American and Mexican weavers for their pliability after drying; cedar bark and spruce roots, employed by Northwest Coast peoples for waterproof hats, mats, and storage baskets due to their strength when processed; and cattail leaves, a versatile fiber for twining in Salish and other communities, harvested for their flexibility in mats and containers. Wood splints from black ash () are prized in Northeastern Native American basketry for their fine, even strips obtained by pounding, creating lightweight yet sturdy open-weave forms; however, black ash is severely threatened by the (Agrilus planipennis), an invasive first detected in 2002 that has infested ash trees across 37 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces as of 2025. Animal-derived elements and synthetic options serve as reinforcements or modern adaptations in basketry. Leather and sinew from animals like deer provide strong binding for seams and edges, adding tensile support in traditional coiled or stitched works. Contemporary practices incorporate plastics for cost-effective durability in commercial production, alongside metal wires for added rigidity, and recycled materials such as rolled newspaper for lightweight, eco-conscious alternatives. Sourcing these materials involves established harvesting methods, with emerging as a key concern. Historically, rods are cut during winter from coppiced stools to promote regrowth, yielding up to 10 tonnes per acre from mature plantations. In , however, contemporary issues include overharvesting of due to rising demand from makers and industries like production, compounded by fewer commercial growers, land competition, and reliance on imports, threatening local supplies.

Weaving and Manufacturing Techniques

Basket weaving techniques primarily involve interlacing flexible materials to form sturdy, functional structures. The most fundamental methods include , twining, plaiting, and staking. In , a filler such as bundled rods or grasses forms the core, which is wrapped and stitched with a flexible stitcher element, often in a spiral progression to build the basket's walls; this technique produces tightly wound, durable forms common in coiled pottery traditions but adapted for basketry. Twining entails interlacing pairs of active weavers around stationary passive elements, twisting the weavers to lock them in place, which creates a textured, flexible fabric suitable for both open and closed weaves. Plaiting uses flat or split elements woven in an over-under pattern, either plain or diagonal, to achieve even, mat-like surfaces that can be folded or shaped into baskets. Staking, also known as stake-and-strand or rib construction, begins with radial stakes driven into a base to form uprights, around which weavers are wound or interlaced to erect the sides, providing a rigid framework for larger vessels. Essential tools for these processes include sharp knives for cutting and splitting materials, awls for piercing and spacing stitches, and molds or forms to the emerging basket during . The typical starts with preparing fibers through harvesting, drying, and softening—often by soaking or steaming—to enhance pliability, followed by forming the base via or plaiting. Walls are then built upward using the chosen technique, with weavers inserted and tensioned progressively; finishing involves trimming excess material, reinforcing rims with braided or wrapped borders, and adding handles by or lashing extensions. These steps ensure structural integrity while allowing for decorative variations, such as colored accents integrated during twining. Regional adaptations highlight specialized applications of these methods. In , plaiting techniques, influenced by Chinese styles, are employed to craft hanakago flower baskets for ceremonies, using fine splints woven into intricate, open lattices that emphasize aesthetic and seasonal motifs. Among certain African communities, completed baskets are waterproofed by smearing interiors with a mixture of and , a traditional post-weaving process that seals porous weaves for grain storage in humid environments. Modern has mechanized these processes for efficiency and scale. Wire baskets, used in industrial storage, are produced by automated CNC and resistance welding machines that twist and join metal rods into rigid grids, enabling high-volume output with precise geometries. Plastic baskets employ to form synthetic strands or direct injection molding to shape polymers into seamless forms, reducing labor while mimicking traditional weaves through molded patterns. Emerging post-2010 technologies include for prototyping woven structures, where digital models generate interlocking lattices that serve as scaffolds for hybrid hand-weaving, blending computational design with craft to explore complex, non-traditional geometries.

Uses and Applications

Household and Practical Uses

Baskets have long served as versatile storage solutions in households around the world, particularly for food items such as fruits and vegetables, where woven designs allow air circulation. In traditional European and American homes, baskets crafted from willow or rattan are commonly used to store produce on kitchen counters or tables, adding a decorative element. In rural North American and Appalachian households, baskets made from white oak or rivercane have been employed for storing linens, dry goods, and even small amounts of firewood or kindling near hearths, providing an organized and accessible means of managing daily essentials. For carrying and transport, baskets facilitate practical movement of goods in everyday domestic settings. In rural areas globally, including parts of and , market baskets—often coiled or twined from natural fibers like reeds—enable villagers to carry produce, grains, or household supplies over short distances, their sturdy handles and lightweight construction making them ideal for such tasks. In Western cultures, picnic hampers, typically rigid baskets with compartments for utensils, plates, and food, have been a staple since the for outdoor meals, evolving from simple transport containers to insulated versions that keep provisions cool during family outings. Baskets also play key organizational roles in home management, helping to compartmentalize items for efficiency. Laundry hampers, frequently made from ventilated or canvas-lined , collect soiled clothes in bedrooms or bathrooms, their open or lidded designs promoting to reduce odors while easing transport to washing areas—a practice common in mid-20th-century households and still prevalent today. baskets, compact and often featuring multiple tiers or pockets, organize threads, needles, and fabrics on worktables. In hygiene and , baskets contribute to tidy and functional spaces, with fruit bowls—shallow, wide-mouthed weaves from or metal—displaying on dining tables to encourage healthy and quick access. Wastebaskets, typically cylindrical and lined for easy emptying, handle scraps or small refuse in offices or kitchens, their durable builds preventing spills. Into the , households increasingly adopt eco-friendly basket options for these purposes, favoring biodegradable materials like , , or that replace plastic alternatives; for instance, laundry hampers and waste bins, handwoven by artisans in regions like and , offer sustainable storage while supporting fair-trade practices and reducing environmental impact.

Industrial and Specialized Applications

In , traditional woven baskets facilitate efficient harvesting and transport of crops, such as the tattie sculls used on lowland farms for collecting potatoes, constructed from split wood frames with or cane weaving for durability during manual labor. Similarly, in French , wicker harvest baskets known as paniers à vendanger or hottes, often made from on bases, allow workers to carry grapes from vines to collection points while minimizing damage to the . In , creels—wicker baskets designed for carrying catch—have been essential, with back creels employed by fishwives on the east coast of to transport to markets, featuring ergonomic straps for load distribution. Standardized quarter cran baskets, branded for official measurement, supported the industry by holding a quarter of a cran (approximately 9.4 imperial gallons) of for processing and sale. In retail and , wire baskets revolutionized supermarkets in , providing lightweight, stackable carriers for customer ; Sylvan Goldman's folding basket carriers, introduced in 1937, featured metal frames with wire mesh to hold up to 80 pounds of goods, boosting purchase volumes by enabling bulk buying. These evolved into modern baskets and hampers, often lined for presentation in deliveries. Industrial applications include parts bins in factories, where wire mesh baskets organize and transport components on assembly lines, offering visibility and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. In , enclosed wire personnel baskets safely lower multiple workers into shafts, enhancing operational efficiency while meeting safety standards. Medical uses feature wire baskets as trays, allowing steam penetration during sterilization in autoclaves to ensure hygiene. Contemporary innovations adapt baskets for sustainability and technology integration. Biodegradable options, such as hamper baskets, serve packaging for gifts and produce, breaking down naturally without residues to reduce environmental impact. As of 2025, trends include smart baskets embedded with RFID for , enabling real-time tracking of in retail and supply chains; for instance, handbaskets equipped with RFID readers automate checkout by scanning items as they are added, improving in stores.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects

In Art, Literature, and Symbolism

Baskets have served as potent motifs in literature, often embodying themes of judgment and preservation. In the , a vision of two baskets—one filled with good figs and the other with bad—symbolizes the contrasting fates of the Babylonian exiles and those left in , illustrating divine selection and moral dichotomy as a literary device for prophetic narrative. In visual art, baskets frequently appear in compositions to evoke abundance and ephemerality. During the 17th century in the , painters like Balthasar van der Ast depicted woven wicker baskets brimming with fruits such as apples, plums, and grapes, as in his Basket of Fruits (c. 1622), where the overflowing contents on a stone ledge highlight natural bounty against a subdued background, reflecting the era's fascination with and divine creation. incorporated basket-like elements into his Cubist sculptures and assemblages from 1912 to 1914, using everyday objects to deconstruct form and reality, as seen in constructions that evoke woven textures through layered materials, bridging painting and sculpture in innovative ways. Symbolically, baskets represent abundance and fertility across cultures, most notably through the —a horn-shaped basket originating in as an inexhaustible source of nourishment from the goat Amalthea, later evolving into a vessel spilling fruits and grains to signify prosperity and harvest plenitude. In , particularly among Southeastern Indigenous traditions, baskets function as containers of and cultural continuity, holding stories of , labor, and heritage to organize and safeguard elements that might otherwise dissolve into disorder. In modern interpretations, baskets in and often denote domesticity or entrapment, portraying everyday objects as metaphors for confined routines or hidden tensions within the home. Post-1970s feminist art reclaims these symbols to critique gender roles, as in Harmony Hammond's Collection of Fragments, Baskets, and Sandals (1972–1976), a mixed-media installation featuring woven raffia and reed baskets alongside clay shards to explore , labor, and feminist reclamation of traditions. Contemporary extends this through large-scale installations, such as Sui Park's Sprout (2016), woven from cable ties into biomorphic forms that abstract basketry to address growth and environmental entanglement, and Dorothy Gill Barnes's Millcreek Willow (1996), a sculptural piece using and copper wire to evoke natural containment on an installation scale. Recent works, such as Jennifer Angus's 2023 installation Beyond the Forest incorporating basketry elements to explore ecological themes, continue this evolution as of 2025.

Religious and Ceremonial Roles

In ancient Egyptian religious practices, baskets served as vessels for votive offerings dedicated to deities, including those associated with the cult of , where they held symbolic items representing fertility and resurrection during temple rituals. Similarly, in Mesopotamian temple ceremonies, kings participated in basket-bearing rituals during the of ziggurats, symbolizing the foundational act of building sacred spaces and invoking divine favor for the structure's sanctity. Foundation figures, such as those depicting Ur-Namma holding a basket, underscore this ceremonial role in dedicating temples to gods like Ningirsu. Among indigenous traditions, baskets play a central role in ceremonies, where they function as sacred trays for ritual objects, altars for offerings during dances, and prizes in footraces that invoke spiritual blessings for community harmony and agricultural abundance. These coiled yucca baskets, often featuring symbolic motifs of clouds and rain, are integral to rites and seasonal observances that reinforce cosmology and ancestral connections. In major world faiths, baskets hold symbolic significance in Jewish Passover seders, where a dedicated basket or plate contains matzah, representing the haste of the Exodus and the bread of affliction, as part of the ritual recounting of liberation from slavery. For Christians, the egg symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, with its shell evoking the sealed tomb from which new life emerges—a tradition dating to early church practices of blessing eggs during Paschal vigils—while Easter baskets filled with dyed eggs developed as a later custom from the 19th century onward. Contemporary ceremonial uses persist in Hindu wedding traditions, where in the laja homa ritual following saptapadi, the bride pours puffed rice (laja) offered by her family into the sacred fire, signifying prosperity and the union's fertility blessings. In Japan's Shinto Oharae purification festival, participants pass through large rings woven from sacred cogon grass (susuki), a ritual act that cleanses impurities and renews spiritual bonds.

References

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