Black and White Zulu Wire Basket South Africa

Overall Condition: New.

Damage/Repair:

Handmade in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Zulu are the largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Dotted on the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, there exists a beehive of industry, where numerous women work at the art of basketry. They have taken the traditional art form and the quality and artistry of the baskets have improved over the past decades. Many women support their families with their basketweaving, and several younger women have been able to pay their own college fees. The women work in their homes, where they can assimilate basket-making into their regular routine—giving themselves time to raise their children, work in the fields, collect water, and other daily chores.

Telephone Wire Art

Electrical plastic coated wire (originally sourced from telephone cabling) was utilized by urban crafters applying traditional weaving techniques to produce functional and decorative items. An interesting aspect of this style is that a mold is used and the weaver starts from the outside and weaves towards the center.

"These exquisite baskets take hours to make. I have seen one in progress with different colored wires going out in every direction—it's impossible to believe it will come together in a tightly woven, even piece—but it does." —Elizabeth Bennett

AG0323