Tutsi Tight Weave Flat Basket Rwanda

Tutsi tight weave flat baskets, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, are among the most prized artworks produced by the Tutsi people and other ethnic groups like the Hutu and Twa in Rwanda and Burundi. These intricate baskets, known as Agaseki, are crafted using vegetable fibers from sisal and papyrus trees, requiring a meticulous process of soaking, softening, and weaving. Early examples boast a natural golden color decorated with intricate black patterns derived from plants like the Urukamgi root or banana flowers. They serve various functions, from carrying valued foods to being used as decorative items and wedding gifts, representing not only artistic finesse but also cultural significance and heritage within the Tutsi and neighboring communities.

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