Botswana Baskets - Botswana

There are 2 Botswana Baskets pieces, belonging to a private collection of African tribal art. The 2 pieces have different diameters of 28 cm and a depth of 4 cm. Each basket takes about four to six weeks to complete, working every day. The total weight will be approximately 1 kg\n\nBaskets\n\nThe most famous handcrafted product of Botswana is the basket. As an integral part of Botswana’s agricultural culture, Botswana baskets have been made and used for thousands of years.\n\nThere are 2 general types of handmade baskets. Lidded baskets are used to store grains, seeds and, at times, sorghum beer. Large, open, bowl-shaped baskets are used by women to carry objects on their heads and to thresh grains after harvest. Smaller, plate-shaped baskets are used to thresh grains after pounding.\n\nThe main basket makers are the women of the Bayei and Hambukushu tribes, in northwestern Botswana.\n\nAlthough baskets are still very common in rural areas of Botswana, they are increasingly being produced today for the commercial market.\n\nThe expansion and diversity of weaving techniques, designs and the use of colors are encouraged through enhancement courses, annual competitions and exhibitions.\n\nToday, Botswana baskets are equivalent to the finest forms of art found in the world.\n\nCreating a Basket\nThe main raw material used to produce Botswana baskets is the ivory-like palm fiber (vegetal ivory) (Hyphaene petersiana), called Mokola in Botswana.\n\nTo create intricate designs, the palm fiber of natural cream color is dyed in brown tones with the roots or bark of the Motlhakola trees (Euclea divinorum) and Motsentsila (Berchemia discolor).\n\nMore recently, the leaves of the shrub Indigofera sp. are being used to produce a violet color, and the sorghum husks, with a fungus, will create a lovely pink hue.\n\nBotswana baskets are woven using the spiral method. One may use a fine bundle of palm fiber, grass, or a single strip of vine for the interior of the spiral.\n\nTo make a basket, a small hole is punched in the previously woven row with a shuttle, then a strip of palm is inserted into the hole and wound around the core. Designs are created by weaving dyed palm strips into the appropriate places.\n\nEach basket takes about four to six weeks to complete, working every day.\n\nBasket Designs Originally, most handmade baskets in Botswana did not have drawings; they were all cream-colored, the natural color of the palm fiber. Gradually, more designs were incorporated for identification and embellishment; the result of improved and modern basket weaving techniques. In the image, there are only four of the most famous designs. Many other traditional designs — below — are woven into Botswana baskets, ensuring collectors a wide selection. In addition, unique, exclusive designs are being created by true artists, blending the art of basketry with the world of abstract art."} } })