2000 - 2009 South African Contemporary Basket

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A basket handmade by the Zulu People in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This isiquabetho basket was woven by Hlezuphi Mdlelshe. Isiquabetho … Read more A basket handmade by the Zulu People in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This isiquabetho basket was woven by Hlezuphi Mdlelshe. Isiquabetho baskets are large basin-shaped baskets used for gathering and carrying grain. The smaller bowls are used for serving dry foods such as beans, fruits, or nuts.

The Zulu are the largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Zulu basket makers are widely considered among the best in the world. Dotted on the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, there exists a beehive of industry, where numerous women work at the art of basketry. They have taken the traditional art form and turned it into a way in which to supplement their incomes, and in many cases their only means of income. The women work in their homes, where they can assimilate basket-making into their normal routine - giving themselves time to raise their children, work in the fields, collect water, and other daily chores. Every basket is made by hand, using indigenous raw materials, and the type of basket varies from area to area, depending on the availability of raw materials, and the use to which the basket is to be put. It can take up to one month to produce a medium-sized basket that will be unique in size, shape, pattern, weave, and color. Designs are taken from traditional Zulu beadwork. A true collector’s item.

Sara and Elizabeth personally selected these baskets on their recent trip to South Africa. See less