Men and women in many areas of Mali make a variety of baskets for domestic use-although nowadays baskets compete with plastic bowls and enamelware. Using locally gathered and prepared materials they coil, plait, and braid the fibers into bowl covers, carrying and storage baskets, and floor mats. Often the fibers are dyed to create colored patterns.

In northern communities people make mats to be used around the walls and as roof coverings on nomadic houses. Tuareg women's leather mats are elaborate and very colorful. Dogon basket-makers sell sturdy reed carrying baskets at weekly markets throughout the Mopti region.

In rural areas crafts generally are produced during "down times," when people are not preoccupied with subsistence activities such as farming or herding, but in cities some craftspeople practice their art full time for an urban clientele. In Bamako, for example, enterprising basket-makers have created new forms like lamp bases for the different needs and tastes of their customers.