Zulu Isiquabetho Basket South Africa Sidley Collection

Basket handmade by the Zulu People in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 

Among the variety of baskets crafted, the Isaquabetho holds prominence—a basin-shaped vessel for gathering and transporting grains. Smaller bowls serve to present dry foods like beans, fruits, or nuts. Infused with tradition and functionality, each piece embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people, showcasing their mastery of craftsmanship and their ability to turn tradition into a sustainable means of livelihood.

The Zulu people, Southern Africa's largest tribe, are esteemed for their artistic talent and craftsmanship. In the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, women engage in the time-honored tradition of basket weaving, transforming it into a vital source of income. Crafting each basket by hand in their homes, these women seamlessly blend this art form into their daily routines, balancing household duties, child-rearing, and agricultural work. Using locally sourced materials, every basket reflects the region's unique essence, shaped by available resources and intended functionality. Taking up to a month to complete, these baskets become collectors' items, prized for their size, shape, pattern, weave, and color—a testament to the artisans' dedication and skill.

Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 3.5 inches

Provenance: Niña Sidley Collection

After a long career in publishing, Niña Sidley returned to her first love: collecting the art, artifacts, and textiles of the world’s indigenous peoples. Part of her mission has been to educate others and to honor the extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, and heartfelt messages these handmade works send from their makers. Niña believes this deep respect for tradition and beauty inspires and ties all of us together as one world.

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