Vintage African Zulu Basket,Ukhamba, Diamond Design,Handwoven -South African Art

Description: VTG AFRICAN TRADITIONAL ZULU BASKET Ukhamba - Warm Colors with Black Accents Bold Diamond Checkerboard Design Handcraftedby the Zulu People in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Authentic Handwoven- South African Art TRIBAL INTERIOR DESIGN - Baskets are key to this look. There are no limits to their use; bedsides, coffee tables, fruit bowls, wall hangings, or even bed ends. Baskets are also perfect for hiding any mess! Perfect decorative accent for African, Tribal Primative, Safari chic, Boho, Southwestern, or Native American designaesthetic. This attractive basket would make an awesome addition to any tribal basket collection! BASKET TYPE: Ukhamba CONDITION: Pre-Owned, Vintage Basket Excellent Condition Firm, Solid, and Tightly woven Good Symmetry Tight-fitting lid. Used for display only COLORS (7): PRIMARY COLOR: Caramel Taupe, Natural/Creme, Black, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Raspberry/Pink APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS: HEIGHT: 10.0 Inches WIDTH (DIAMETER): 12.0 Inches OPENING WIDTH (DIAMETER): 4.5 inches BASKET WT.: 1 lb. 7 5/8 oz. BACKGROUND - The Zulu are the largest tribe in South Africa, their artistry and craftsmanship. Zulu basketmakers are widely considered among the best in the world. For many rural Zulu families, basketmaking is the only income. Every basket is made by hand, using indiginous raw materials. It can take up to a month to produce a medium sized basket. Zulu beer baskets are made from the young leaf shoots of the Ilala palm. The leaves are split with the fingers, and dried in the sun. Designs are taken from traditional Zulu beadwork. For more information, and striking examples, see ulu Treasures, Amagugu kaZulu, published by KwaZulu Cultural Museum. BASKET TYPES Large, watertight baskets with lids that fit snugly inside the opening at the top are called Ukhambas. Isichumo baskets have a lid that fits over and around the opening. Isiquabetho - A large basin-shaped basket used for gathering and carrying grain. The smaller bowls are used for serving dry foods such as beans, fruits or nuts. Smaller Iquthu lidded baskets, or herb baskets, often have a looser weave, and are traditionally used to store medicinal remedies. These baskets are often very decorative and colorful, especially those made for ceremonial use. MATERIALS COMMONLY USED IN ZULU BASKET WEAVING - ILALA PALM - Most desirable. Grows along the North Eastern Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Once cut and dried, the leaf is then prepared for weaving into fine, often water-tight baskets. Natural shade: Cream NCEBE - Bark of wild Banana. These baskets are not water-tight, they're used for dry storage. Dyed Ilala interweaved to impart color and design. Natural shade: light brown COLORS USED IN ZULU BASKET WEAVING - All colors are natural (except black, which uses battery acid!), and obtained from boiling roots, leaves, berries, and bark of indigenous flora. Many are seasonal. The dyestuffs are finely chopped, water is added, and the grasses to be dyed are boiled in this mixture. PATTERN DESIGN/SYMBOL MEANINGS - Checkerboards, Whirls or Circles good news, new baby, good rains Triangle symbolizes masculinity Diamond symbolizes femininity Zig-zag represents the Spear of Shaka String of Diamonds the shields of Shaka Diamond patterns with triangle points around the outside Wedding basket Please keep in mind when purchasing handmade hand-woven items, natural variation in dye color, weave and some asymmetry is to be expected. Consistent with all VINTAGE items, some wear from age or use is to be expected and should not be regarded as a failure on my part to describe every aspect of wear which may not be mentioned. Please feel free to contact me with questions . No returns. I am thinning out my huge collection of all types of African baskets! Thank you for your interest in this beautiful African Zulu basket!

Price: 125 USD

Location: Somerset, New Jersey

End Time: 2024-08-25T06:57:06.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD