Hausa Basket with Leather Cowrie Shells and Brittish Coins Nigeria MATTER COLLECTION

An impressive basket adorned with leather, Cowrie shells, and British West African Penny Coins, and a long leather strap to carry it.

This 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.

Among 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.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From 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.

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