As I gracefully step up the path ascending the hills somewhere in the north of Johannesburg in my Liz Ogumbo Peep-back glory from my Lotus collection and my Ilala Basket sitting graciously on my head, I feel inclined to take you on this journey on exploring what may seem as a pot but is in fact a woven basket.
Africa is a diverse continent with various regions, cultures, and artistic traditions, boasting a diverse range of richly woven tradition found across the African continent unique artefacts.
Through my research as I explore to recreate a pot-like range of baskets for my lifestyle brand through my weaving community, I have just discovered a few different variations of baskets that have inspired my process.
The diversity and weaving techniques in Africa are inspired by our richly woven tradition found and created by various ethnic groups and tribes using a wide range of techniques and materials.
In this article, I would like to take you on journey around what may seem like a pot, but is actually a woven basket. Pot-like baskets from Africa are a unique type of basketry typically handcrafted by various African communities using weaving techniques and natural materials to mimic the shape and appearance of traditional clay pots. Furthermore, the specific styles, materials, and techniques used for pot-like baskets vary across different regions and ethnic groups in Africa with each community creating based on its own distinct traditions and interpretations of this art form.
Let's explore my top-3 pot-like baskets;
The Ilala palm basket from South Africa
The Bolga Basket from Ghana
The Tonga basket from Zimbabwe
1. Ilala Zulu baskets | South Africa
With a long tradition of basket weaving, Ilala Zulu baskets are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal of beautifully handcrafted baskets using ilala palm leaves or ncebe (the bark of wild banana). These materials are harvested, dried, and then dyed using natural materials to achieve a range of vibrant colours.
The process begins when the weavers gather roots, leaves, berries and bark of indigenous flora from the local environment and prepare them by dyeing using natural dyes or leaving them in their natural state. The palm leaves are first split into thin strips and then woven together to form the basket's structure. The weavers then use a coiling technique to weave the baskets, starting from the centre and spiralling outward.
Depending on size, pattern, shape, weave and colour, it can take more than a month to make a medium size basket.
Despite the intricate weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations, the patterns and designs often have symbolic meanings, representing elements of Zulu culture and heritage. e.g. a triangular shape symbolises masculinity while a diamond shape symbolises femininity, a double triangle forming hour glass shape is representative of married man while a double diamond shape represents a married woman.
Ilala Zulu baskets often feature intricate designs and patterns, such as geometric shapes, animals, or symbolic motifs representing Zulu culture and beliefs. These baskets serve both functional and decorative purposes and are used for storing food, carrying goods, or as display pieces.
2. Bolga Baskets | Ghana
Bolga baskets, also known as Bolgatanga baskets are a type of handwoven basket originating from the Bolgatanga region in northern Ghana are crafted by the Gurune people, who have a long-standing tradition of basket weaving. These baskets are made from a type of elephant grass called "veta vera." The grass is dried, dyed using natural or synthetic dyes, and then woven into intricate patterns. The baskets are known for their sturdy construction and durability, making them suitable for various uses.
The weaving technique used for Bolga baskets is unique and often passed down through generations. The grass fibres are coiled into a spiral pattern and then bound together using thin strips of leather or plastic to create a tight, robust structure that can withstand heavy weight. The designs often incorporate vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and intricate motifs inspired by the cultural heritage of the Gurune people.
While these highly versatile baskets have gained popularity worldwide, they come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs and are used for shopping, storage, picnics, beach outings as well as decor. These baskets not only showcase the craftsmanship and creativity of the Gurune weavers but also support sustainable livelihoods for many artisans within the region.
3. Tonga baskets | Zimbabwe
Known for their distinctive pottery-like appearance ,Tonga baskets are crafted by the Tonga people of Zimbabwe living in the northern regions, particularly in the Binga district.
These baskets mimic the shape and design elements of traditional clay pots that have been used in the region for centuries. The weavers skilfully recreate these forms using a coiling technique and natural materials sourced from the local environment. Typically made from grasses, fibres, and reeds that are collected, dried, and dyed with natural pigments, the weavers use a coiling method, similar to other African basketry traditions, where they wrap and stitch the fibres in a spiral pattern to create the basket's structure.
Similar to ilala and Bolga basket weavers, Tonga basket weavers incorporate geometric patterns, symbols, and motifs that hold cultural and spiritual significance within the Tonga community which often reflect the natural surroundings, animals, or traditional Tonga beliefs and stories.
Serving both functional and decorative purposes these Tonga baskets are used for storing and carrying items, serving food as well for decor/ display purposes. The baskets can vary in size, from small vessels to larger storage containers.
And while Tonga baskets have gained recognition for their craftsmanship and cultural significance, they are appreciated as art forms and collected around the world. The skill and artistry involved in creating these baskets have been passed down through generations, contributing to the preservation of Tonga cultural heritage.
Today, African baskets have gained international recognition and are sought after as decorative pieces, cultural artefacts, and collectors’ items. I hope this article can enlighten you to positively influence your next purchase/ use of these intricately designed pieces of art which are available within local markets, fair-trade shops, African craft stores, and online platforms such as Etsy, Ananse Village, Tribal village, Baskets of Africa
"When purchasing African crafts be mindful by considering their authenticity and support fair trade practices while respecting the cultural value attached to them."
Yours fabulously,
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