Vintage Zulu Multicolor Handwoven Basket With Lid
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:5317521 | Provenance: Ownership History Not Available |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: South Africa |
Origin: This stunning vintage basket was handcrafted by the Zulu tribe of KWAZULU situated in the natal region of south Africa.This basket colors are black, dark brown, light brown, natural and cream.The colors are still nice and do not look faded.Approximate measurements are 8.5”h x 9”wThe cover is still attached to the basket with string.Excellent Condition*please view all photos as they are part of the description*This basket was purchased while on a trip to Africa in the late 1...990’sThe following is information was given to me when I purchased the basket. I found it very interesting and thought would be nice to share:Traditional Zulu BasketsAUTHENTIC DESIGNER BASKETS HAND WOVEN BY THE ZULU TRIBE OF KWAZULUKnown as “beer baskets” they were originally, and still are, used to store a grain used in the making of their “Magou” beer.History: legends and legacies left behind by ancestors are preserved by the craftsman and women through the various symbols, colors and designs. Zulu baskets have many uses, ranging from decorative to functional. Often each member of the family will have his or her own basket, which may be used to store personal treasures, herbs or food. GRADES: Each basket is unique in design, and quality will vary from basket to basket. Generally two types are found, standard grade (also known as commercial or tourist grade) and museum grade (also known as collector or designer grade). Prices vary from $50-$10, 000, and are based on the quality, style, size and creativity in each basket. CONSTRUCTION: A colored palm leaf grass called “litsale” is woven around a tightly wound “rope” of plain dried grass. Larger and colorful baskets are more difficult as are baskets with lids. Each is made with pride and show the artists creativity. Patterns are based on variations of the male or female shapes. Two diamonds, one on top of one another indicate a married woman, wild two triangles in the shape of an hourglass indicate an married male. Sharp triangles or zigzags around the basket or are symbolic of the Assegais of Shaka”, the famous Zulu King, and would be associated with a male basket. Variations of the diamonds around the basket in the form of criss-crosses are symbolic of the Shields of Shaka and indicate a feminine basket. Family baskets may combine designs, and are used to store dried goods such as beans and herbs.Colors: Traditionally baskets have one to six colors, with the palm leaf dyed using vegetable based mixtures as follows:Brown (ububende) – soaking palm leaves in muddy soil for a weekKhaki-Green/Brown (mxuba) – Boiling Palm Leaf in cow dungBlack (omniyama) – Soak in river mud, boil for 8 hours with umbuque leavesLilac (ubukhwebezane) – Mixing palm with crushed berry bush.Red (bomvu) – Boil for 2 days with “tai” (mphekam-bethu shrub)*While certain baskets are water resistant, they should not be used with any liquid
