Zulu baskets were an integral part of Zulu tradition and custom. Decorative beer baskets were made for special events and purposes such as marriages, harvest, fertility, birth and as gifts to family or special friends. They were bound and stitched by hand “water tight” from grass and Ilala palm leafs (Hyphaene Coriacea). The natural color of the palm is beige. Other colors were came from natural dyes such as bark, berries, leaves, clay, roots, dung and combinations. Ezakwantu.com

The Mbunda-Luvale and Luchazi of Western Zambia and Angola, made baskets from the roots of the mukenge tree, which enhanced the longevity of the object. This is a large cassava flour root basket used to catch and hold cassava flour. The small nipple at the centre is a centuries-old addition intended to add durability to the basket by spreading away any build-up of cassava meal from the point most apt to rot. Mukenge root was carved down to a desired thickness in long lengths, then soaked in water for a month before weaving. The use of mukenge hard root extended an article’s life. Ezakwantu.com

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Large Trivet Rwanda $30	Small Cathedral Basket Rwanda $35	Small Lidded Bowl Rwanda $35