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Tonga Basket - Large
These beautiful baskets are made in the remote Binga district of Northern Zimbabwe - home to the displaced Tonga people. Today, many Tonga women utilize traditional weaving techniques to create intricately patterned baskets. Tonga baskets are woven using the over and under style of weaving and a 16 inch diameter basket can take around 2 weeks to complete. The baskets are finished using a coiled rim with a distinctive herringbone pattern.
These baskets are made from all natural and locally harvested materials such as wild grasses, small vines, and palm leaves dyed with tree bark. The largest sized bowls are still used by the Tonga people for their original purpose of winnowing grains.
When you purchase a fairly traded item like this African basket, you receive a beautiful artisan product while helping a family in a developing country raise their standard of living. Additionally, you are playing an important part in keeping traditional crafts alive. Thank you for your purchase!
Diameter: 18 - 20"
Patterns vary for each unique basket
Made in: Zimbabwe
Maker: Mbare
About: Since 1997 Mbare has been supplying a unique collection of handcrafted products made from natural and recycled materials, sourced from all over Africa. Our focus is on modern global style with an African touch and our offering is focused on quality and attention to detail - we pride ourselves on supplying “the best that Africa has to offer”.
In the language of the Shona People of Zimbabwe, mbare (pronounced “im-bah-ree”) means “a gathering of things” or “marketplace”. Robbie Stewart, the founder and president of Mbare grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe. Mbare was born out of Robbie’s vision to provide sustainable sources of income for people and communities outside of the formal economy, and has always believed that Africa needs trade, not aid. “I have always had an appreciation for local art found at roadside markets, in urban workshops, or at the homes of talented craftspeople. The artistic skills that these artists possess are often passed down through generations and represent an invaluable accumulation of knowledge and talent. Getting to know families that engage in this work has been a privilege for me.”