Ndebele Basket Zimbabwe Jerry Collection

Handwoven Ndebele basket.

Ndebele art has always been an important identifying characteristic of the Ndebele. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, it has a cultural significance that serves to reinforce the distinctive Ndebele identity. The Ndebele's essential artistic skill has always been understood to be the ability to combine exterior sources of stimulation with traditional design concepts borrowed from their ancestors. Ndebele artists also demonstrated a fascination with the linear quality of elements in their environment and this is depicted in their artwork. 

From the collection of Jerry Kasparek, Santa Barbara. Jerry has been collecting for most of his 84 years. He started collecting when he was in the Navy, after college. An architect with an eye for beauty and design, he collected primarily African and Native American items. We are proud to offer a part of his collection.