Tonga Basket Natural (47-02)

A handwoven natural Tonga basket in Ilala palm

These solid-edged baskets are the pinnacle of the Tonga (Bathonga) basket-maker's art in Zimbabwe and Southern Zambia. Woven from Ilala palm leaf, each starts as a square and is coiled into an almost perfect circle. The fine edging is known as “snake's belly” for its serpent-scale pattern, and the soft natural tones come from dyes made with tree bark. Traditionally used to winnow grain, today they make striking, sculptural wall art.

Each is handmade and one of a kind, with slight natural variation in size and tone. Beautiful on its own, or grouped in a cluster on the wall.

Size: approx. 47cm diameter (handmade, may vary 1–2cm)