1930's Small Woven Grass Fibre Basket (lgiseke). Tutsi Culture, Rwanda

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This prestige basket has been finely woven from fine grass fibres. The body of the basket features a beautifully woven zig-zag design which is achieved by dying the grass fibres with the boiled roost 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.

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Ex Private Collection, Belgium

Estimated Period: 1930's

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H: 26cm

W: 13cm

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