This lampshade and bowl set was created using Odero, a basket weaving technique that has been practised for hundreds of years. The exact origin of Odero is not entirely clear, as it can be found both in Central Europe and in parts of West Africa. Despite its long history, there is a large gap in the documentation and understanding of basketry, so much of its knowledge has been forgotten.
Odero is a method in which two layers of material are tied together with a string, creating a flat, textured surface. It belongs to the ‘Feinschienenflechttechnik’ (tr. fine splint weaving technique), which is known for its intricate and clever patterns. I learnt Odero from a Munich-based basket weaver, Brigitte Obermeir, who has dedicated herself to preserving traditional basketry and generously shared her expertise with me.
created in Rhino7 by Pauline Vo
The ropes provide their inherent structure, weight and stability to the creative process and significantly influence the final woven form. Through this overlap, materials once destined for waste find new purpose and expression. In order to better understand the assembly of the set, this construction drawing was created in Rhino7, which simplifies the arrangement with the amount of ropes used and the positioning of the socket cut-out for the lampshade.