Makenge bowl (7004)

This Makenge bowl is a testament to the weaving skills of the Mbundu and Lozi people of Zambia. An original piece, once used to sift the grains used in cooking — you may still find a few grains embedded in the weave, a lovely mark of its authenticity.

How they are made: the bowls are woven from the roots of the Makenge tree, a small tree that sends out very long, shallow roots. The fine-haired roots are dug from the ground, thinned out, boiled and dyed with natural pigments, then left to dry. Each takes several weeks to make, so no two are alike.

Size: approx. 32cm diameter × 12cm deep.