Question #1: Ancient Native Americans chose willow strips to make baskets because they were easy to bend and

a) easy to find
b) rare and valuable
c) multi-colored
d) waterproof

There's no textbook for the Art course so it's hard. According to the non-sense information they have given, it looks like "b" and "c" are incorrect, I think the answer is "a".

Please Help!

Thanks
-Gourami

9 answers

I took that quick check yesterday and I think I chose B
As you can see from the Related Questions below, we've had this question many times. A only makes sense in some areas. However, that seems to be the favored answer.
Willow is not rare and valuable.
This is some info that I found kind of good.

Why might an artist pick pencil over paint? What reason does an artist have for creating a sculpture out of old plastic bottles, rather than traditional clay or stone? When artists choose a medium, the material from which artwork is created (such as paint, clay, wood, etc.), they ask many questions, including the following:
Is the material readily available?
Is the material archival? Is it durable and able to resist decay?
Is the material aesthetically pleasing? Will it create a beautiful artwork?
Does the material fit the message the artwork conveys?
German artist Anselm Kiefer was not afraid to experiment with materials. When he created the massive, seven-ton sculpture Breaking of the Vessels, he sought out a variety of media, including iron, lead, glass, copper wire, charcoal, and Aquatec (a water-proofing sealant). Working with these heavy substances, he formed a simple bookcase. On its shelves sit books mixed with broken panes of glass. Someone might recognize the images and ideas in the sculpture as references to Jewish religion. The beauty and depth of this culture is celebrated by these representations, but the broken panes of glass also show how Jews and their heritage have been intimidated throughout history.
The questions can apply to choice "a" and "d".
From what I've read, willow baskets are not inherently waterproof. They must have some kind of coating to seal water out.

http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Basket.html
Yes, A is the best answer here. As Ms. Sue points out, willows are not easy to find in many places, but where they are, they are pliable and relatively easy to weave into baskets, unlike hardwood twigs or even conifer twigs.
Thanks, I didn't answer immediately because I went to my music lessons.

Thanks for your help.
You're welcome.