Artisan bakers (that's now you) often use baskets to shape their loaves into boules, or symmetrical circular balls of dough . These proofing baskets are known as Bannetons by anyone in the know (and now, that's you). Bannetons give shape and structure to the loaf as it proves - they can be rectangular, oblong or circular and vary in shapes and sizes. 

These baskets are made from rattan, which has moisture wicking properties, and the coiled shape leaves a spiral pattern onto the forming loaf. You'd better get kneading!