Shiotego are inverted cone-shaped baskets made using ajiroi, a delicate weaving technique in which thin strips of various woods are woven together to create beautiful, colorful designs. This unique bamboo craft dates back to Japan's Heian period. In the olden days before salt was refined, salt harvested from the salt fields was very moist, so each household stored it in a basket like this and used the smooth part at the top for cooking.