Archaic people commonly used several plant fibers to make various items, including baskets and ropes. Some of the commonly used plant fibers by the Archaic people include:
1. Yucca: Yucca plants were widely utilized by Archaic people for making baskets, cords, and ropes. The long, flexible leaves were stripped of their outer layer and then shredded into fibers that could be woven together.
2. Willow: Willow trees provided a flexible and easily workable material for basket-making. The Archaic people would strip the bark from willow branches and then weave it into baskets and other items.
3. Dogbane: The fibrous stems of dogbane plants were commonly used by the Archaic people to make cords and ropes. The stems were dried, stripped of their outer bark, and then twisted or braided together to create strong, durable ropes.
4. Milkweed: Milkweed plants, specifically their long fibers, were used by Archaic people to make rope. The fibers were harvested by retting, a process where the plant material is soaked and then the fibers are separated.
5. Cedar bark: Cedar trees provided a source of bark that could be stripped and then woven into baskets. The inner bark of cedar trees was particularly prized for its durability and flexibility.
These plant fibers were readily available in the natural environments where Archaic people lived, and they provided essential materials for making various items necessary for their daily lives.