Vintage Makenge Basket - Zambia (38-19)

Our vintage and original Makenge wall baskets are testament to the weaving skills of the Mbundu and Losi people of Zambia.  They are original pieces that have been used to sift the grains used in cooking.  The originality of these baskets show some grains embedded in the weave on some of our collections. 

How they are made:-   The baskets are made from the Makenge tree which is a small tree and sends out very long shallow roots.  The roots have fine hairs and they are dug from the ground by the men and thinned out to be used.  The roots are boiled and dyed with natural pigments and left to dry out.  It takes several weeks to make each of these very unique baskets. 

Size:  D: 55cm

They are not flat but have a centre embedded approx 5cm to 9cm deep