{"product_id":"hausa-basket-platter-nigeria-matter-collection-154088","title":"Hausa Basket Platter Nigeria MATTER COLLECTION","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"655\" data-start=\"97\"\u003eThis vintage handmade basket, crafted by the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria, is an exquisite example of traditional artistry that combines form, function, and cultural symbolism. Constructed from leather and meticulously adorned with cowrie shells and British West African coins, these vessels reflect both aesthetic sensibility and socio-economic significance. Historically, cowrie shells served not only as a medium of exchange across West Africa but also as potent emblems of wealth, fertility, and spiritual power. Their use in decoration continues to evoke these layered meanings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1171\" data-start=\"657\"\u003eAmong the Hausa, women have long been the custodians of basket weaving, a tradition passed down through generations. While historically these baskets served utilitarian purposes within the household, in recent decades, their production has taken on renewed relevance. The commercialization of this craft has enabled Hausa women to gain economic agency—supporting their families, funding education, and ensuring food security—thereby transforming an age-old art form into a means of empowerment and social mobility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProvenance: Matter Collection\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrom the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Polaris-Box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_ActivatorWrapper_1q6fc_73\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"PRODUCT.metafields.custom.height_in_-anchor\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Edit Height (In) metafield\" class=\"_ActivatorButton_1q6fc_77\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_RowWrapper_1q6fc_4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_FormFieldLabel_1q6fc_30\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"Polaris-Text--root Polaris-Text--bodyMd\"\u003eHeight (In): 0.5\u003cbr\u003eWidth (In): 17.5\u003cbr\u003eDepth (In): 14.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e154088\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 154000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51225269240103,"sku":"154088","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_0401_4687dd28-64b0-4877-b5c3-10b97f56877e.jpg?v=1775064296","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/hausa-basket-platter-nigeria-matter-collection-154088","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}