Makenge Flat Wedding Basket 18.0 Inch Zambia

Handwoven Makenge flat wedding basket handmade by the Mbundu women within Zambia. These baskets are traditionally made from the root of the Makenge plant and are gifted as wedding gifts throughout generations. These baskets are used to serve fruits, seeds, or other dry foods. Harvesting and crafting these baskets requires a long process. The Makenge root is harvested without harm, allowing the plant to grow up to three feet per month. Once harvested, the root is then sliced and peeled and weavers will dye the fibers with natural roots. Once the fibers are dried, they will re-wet the leaves and spend multiple days weaving the basket. The final result is a beautiful and rigid piece of work that will withstand the test of time. 

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