Vintage African Zulu Basket, Ukhamba Diamond Design,Handwoven-South African Art

Description: VTG AFRICAN TRADITIONAL ZULU BASKET Ukhamba - Contemporary Diamond Design Neutral Earth Tone Color Palette Handcraftedby the Zulu People in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Authentic Handwoven- South African Art Perfect Decorative Aceent for African, Contemporary, Primative, Tribal, Safari chic, Boho, Native American, or Southwestern design aesthetic. TRIBAL INTERIOR DESIGN - Baskets are key to this look. There are no limits to their use; bedsides, coffee tables, fruit bowls, wall hangings, or even bed ends. Baskets are also perfect for hiding any mess! The neutral color palette will look great with any decor style - in any room of your home! This beautiful basket would make an awesome addition to any tribal basket collection! BASKET DETAILS APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS: Height: 9 1/2" Width (diameter):9 1/2" Opening Width (diameter): 2 3/4" BASKET WT.: 14 1/8 oz. CONDITION: Pre-owned, Vintage item Excellent condition Firm, Solid and Tightly woven. Used for display only. COLORS: Primary Color: Variegated Caramel Natural/Cream, Black BASKET TYPE: Ukhamba DESIGN PATTERNS/SYMBOLS: Diamond symbolizes femininity BACKGROUND TRADITIONAL ZULU BASKETS The Zulus are the largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. The women work in their homes, where they can assimilate basket-making into their normal routine giving themselves time to raise their children, work in the fields, collect water and other daily chores. Every basket is made by hand, using indigenous raw materials and the type of basket varies from area to area, depending on the availability of raw materials, and the use to which the basket is to be put. It can take up to one month to produce a medium-sized basket that will be unique in size, shape, pattern, weave and color. BASKET TYPES Large, watertight baskets with lids that fit snugly inside the opening at the top are called Ukhambas. Isichumo baskets have a lid that fits over and around the opening. Isiquabetho A large basin-shaped basket used for gathering and carrying grain. The smaller bowls are used for serving dry foods such as beans, fruits or nuts. Smaller Iquthu lidded baskets, or herb baskets, often have a looser weave, and are traditionally used to store medicinal remedies. These baskets are often very decorative and colorful, particularly those made for ceremonial use. MATERIALS COMMONLY USED IN ZULU BASKET WEAVING Ilala Palm - Most desirable. Grows along the North Eastern Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Once cut and dried, the leaf is then prepared for weaving into fine, often water-tight baskets. Natural shade: Cream Ncebe - Bark of wild Banana. These baskets are not water-tight, they're used for dry storage. Dyed Ilala interweaved to impart color and design. Natural shade: light brown SOME COMMON COLORS USED IN ZULU BASKET WEAVING All colors are natural (except black, which uses battery acid!), and obtained from boiling roots, leaves, berries, and bark of indigenous flora. Many are seasonal. The dyestuffs are finely chopped, water is added, and the grasses to be dyed are boiled in this mixture. PATTERN MEANINGS - Checkerboards, Whirls or Circles good news, new baby, good rains Triangle symbolizes masculinity Diamond symbolizes femininity Zig-zag represents the Spear of Shaka String of Diamonds the shields of Shaka Diamond patterns with triangle points around the outside Wedding basket Please keep in mind when purchasing handmade hand-woven items, natural variation in dye color, weave and some asymmetry is to be expected. Consistent with all VINTAGE items, some wear from age or use is to be expected and should not be regarded as a failure on my part to describe every aspect of wear which may not be mentioned. Please feel free to contact me with questions or to request additional photos. No returns. Thanks for lo

Price: 99 USD

Location: Somerset, New Jersey

End Time: 2024-12-22T08:12:36.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD