Early 20th Century Makenge Wedding Basket 16.5 Inch Zambia MATTER COLLECTION

Details

Description

Handwoven Makenge wedding basket handmade by the Mbundu women within Zambia. These baskets are traditionally made from the root of … Read more Handwoven Makenge wedding basket handmade by the Mbundu women within Zambia. These baskets are traditionally made from the root of the Makenge plant and are gifted as wedding gifts throughout generations. These baskets are used to serve fruits, seeds, or other dry foods. Harvesting and crafting these baskets requires a long process. The Makenge root is harvested without harm, allowing the plant to grow up to three feet per month. Once harvested, the root is then sliced and peeled and weavers will dye the fibers with natural roots. Once the fibers are dried, they will re-wet the leaves and spend multiple days weaving the basket. The final result is a beautiful and rigid piece of work that will withstand the test of time. 
Provenance: Matter Collection
From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.




Height (in): 2.5Width (in): 16.5Depth (in): 16.5




155561 See less