Posted 9 years ago
luckylind
(1 item)
I found this lovely basket at a thrift store, and wondered if anyone might recognize its origin. It is approximate 10" tall and 10.5" wide. Is it Native American? It is in very good shape, so I am assuming it is not too old.
The basket is African, not Native American. It's from the Binga district of Zimbabwe, made from ilala palm fiber.
The distinctive square plaited start is a main identifying feature of these baskets, made by women of the Tonga tribe, who were displaced when the Zambezi River was dammed and their traditional homeland flooded. Making these African fair trade baskets is their primary source of income.
Thank you, CanyonRoad, for your quick and detailed response!
Great Solve CANYONROAD !!!!