Posted 7 years ago
Old-Soul
(1 item)
Hello, I have what appears to be a very old Native American woven basket w/corn husks. The basket is about 20" in diameter. It must have been used in its day because it looks to be warn and dirty in the crevices. Does anyone have any ideas as to the maker and possibly the age? Thanks in advance for any assistance.
No, not Native American. It's African, from Zambia. It's made from the roots of the makenge bush, native to Zambia. The baskets are sold as Fair Trade baskets, made by Mbunda women, and provide the main source of income for them, in one of the poorest regions of the country. No idea of the age. They are a traditional style, and there is at least one web site that sells used makenge baskets.
CanyonRoad, THANK YOU so very much for your insightful information. I would never have thought to go "overseas" on this venture. You definitely know your baskets! Thanks again.
Mystery solved by CanyonRoad. :)