Makenge winnowing basket #12

Makenge baskets are testament to the weaving skills of the Mbundu and Lozi people of Zambia.

Traditionally they are made and handed over to newly married brides then they would hand them down the family line to their children.  The baskets are so durable that they can go beyond 100 years. 

Only the most skilled craftswomen in the village can weave these baskets, each featuring a one-of-a-kind patterns that convey messages of beauty, marriage, and family.

Roots are gathered from the Makenge bush, boiled until soft and then woven into these beautiful baskets. The procedure has remained the same for many generations. Only the small roots are gathered, so the bush remains alive to produce more for the future. The women create their own natural dyes by boiling leaves. Each woman will decorate her baskets according to her own taste and tradition.

We love to hang them in groups of assorted designs to create a custom wall feature to suit your space. Also a stunning piece for tabletop styling or placed behind decor to add further depth, dimension & height.