Late 20th Century African Flat Basket

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This saucer-shaped bowl, called an imbenge, is traditionally woven with Ilala palm and grass fibers. A modern version is woven … Read more This saucer-shaped bowl, called an imbenge, is traditionally woven with Ilala palm and grass fibers. A modern version is woven by men from telephone wire, resulting in a bright kaleidoscope of color and pattern and very collectible. The imbenge basket is used as a platter for serving dried foodstuffs, as well as used upside down to function as a lid or cover for the clay beer pots. When not in use it is hung up on the wall of the hut as part of the decor.

The Zulu are the largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Zulu basketmakers 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. See less