Painted Makenge Basket - Zambia - 25G

This basket comes on a stand

Makenge baskets are testament to the weaving skills of the Mbundu and Losi people of Zambia.  They are original pieces that have been used to sift the grains used in cooking.  The originality of these baskets show some grains embedded in the weave on some of our collections. 

Traditionally they are made and handed over to newly married brides then they would hand them down the family line to their children.  The baskets are so durable that they can go beyond 100 years. 

How they are made:-   The baskets are made from the Makenge tree which is a small tree and sends out very long shallow roots.  The roots have fine hairs and they are dug from the ground by the men and thinned out to be used.  The roots are boiled and dyed with natural pigments and left to dry out.  It takes several weeks to make each of these very unique baskets.  They are used in wedding ceremonies as gifts 

Due to the handmade nature of these incredibly durable baskets the sizes will vary slightly.  Our baskets are close to or just over measures below.

They can be hung on a wall if you add a small wire to the back or placed onto a table or a plate display stand.  The baskets do not come with stands or wire hooks. 

Size:  44cm Diameter

They are not flat but have a centre embedded approx 4cm deep