Hausa Cowrie Shell Grass Basket Bowl With Leather Nigeria 11 Inch

This vintage handmade basket bowl, crafted by the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria, are exquisite examples of traditional artistry combining form, function, and cultural symbolism. Constructed from leather and meticulously adorned with cowrie shells, 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.

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