Vintage Authentic Hand Woven

      African Zulu Ukhamba Beer Basket -

Marriage Design - Warm Earth Tone Colors

                   Unusual Round Shape

Fabulous for African, Tribal Decor, Safari chic, Boho, Native American, or Southwest 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!

This beautiful basket would make an awesome addition to any tribal basket collection!

BASKET DETAILS

▪Approximate measurements:

   ▪Height:  10.0"

   ▪Width (diameter):   9.0"

   ▪Opening Width (diameter):  3.0"

▪Basket Wt.: 1 lb. 9 7/8 oz.

▪Condition: 

    Pre-owned, Vintage item

    Excellent condition

    Firm, Solid and Heavy/Dense (for its size)

    Tightly woven

    Nice symmetry.  Unusual Round shape

   

    Basket used for display only.

▪Colors:

    Variegated Dark Caramel Brown, Black 

     Natural/Cream

▪Basket Type:  Ukhamba

▪Basket Shape:   Round

▪Design Symbols:

  Diamond patterns with triangle points

  around the outside – Wedding basket

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.

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