What class were basket makers in colonial times?

In colonial times, basket makers were typically part of the lower economic class, often considered artisans or craftsmen. They played a vital role in everyday life by producing essential items for storage and transportation. While some basket makers could achieve a certain level of respect within their communities, they generally did not attain the status or wealth of higher social classes, such as landowners or merchants. Their work was often labor-intensive and required skilled craftsmanship, passed down through generations.