The 'vareta' (twig of olive) is a raw material, used to make traditional baskets as well as more elaborated pieces, and it is a typical Andalusian handicraft, land of olive trees.

Technique. The process of artisanal elaboration is complex and begins in summer with the harvesting of the olive branches, which are cleaned of leaves and classified for the fabric, which consists of placing sixteen pairs of ‘varetas’ in the shape of a star, which are tied and they are surrounded with other finer ones to make the base on which the "ribs" are placed, pairs of ‘varetas’ in the form of a cage that serves as a guide to form the wall of the basket. Once the wall is made, the edge and the handle are made.

Materials: green olive twigs and branches is the main unique material used for this purpose. The olive twig is not usually stored but always work immediately to the collection, after letting it dry for a few days.

These baskets were originally used for the harvesting and transporting of olives and grapes but nowadays have been substituted by mechanical devices. Thus, the creation of baskets with olive branches is in serious risk of extinction because it is not profitable and scarcely survives for traditional reasons.