Vintage tonga bowl

These beautiful vintage hand-woven baskets are named for the remote Binga district - home to the displaced Batonga tribe. Today, many Tonga women utilize traditional weaving techniques to create these intricately patterned baskets. All natural and locally harvested materials such as wild grasses, small vines and palm leaves make up the baskets. The largest sized bowls are still used by the Batonga people for their original purpose of ‘winnowing’ grains. Wind winnowing is an agricultural method developed by ancient cultures for separating grain from chaff. In its simplest form it involves throwing the mixture into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter chaff, while the heavier grains fall back down for recovery.

Baskets aren't just for holding and hiding things; they also make great art. We love the idea of covering a wall with an arrangement of baskets like this. The possibilities are endless!

Every basket is unique and the pattern may be different with the photos.  

Take time to search for authenticity!