This prestige basket has been finely woven from fine grass fibres. The body of the basket features a beautifully woven striking zig-zag design which is achieved by dying the grass fibres with the boiled roots of the banana tree. Prestige baskets termed igiseke were only made by highly skilled aristocratic women. Miniature, intimate-sized baskets such as this example were made primarily to be offered as gifts and displayed in the traditionally dwelling as emblems of affluence, wealth and social importance.
H: 20cm
W: 10cm
Ex Private Collection, Belgium
Estimated Period: 1930's
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