Introduction
African decorative wall baskets have been the center stage of home decoration and other spaces. Be it the colorful wall baskets or neutral colored ones, it has been used making it the heat of modern-day decoration. originally transforming from the traditional use of it like winnowing to decorative hangable baskets
Almost all homesteads in Africa have woven baskets either in the kitchen as storage baskets for fruits and vegetables or in the garden collecting harvest and winnowing.
This evolved into a wall-hanging decoration thanks to several attributes such as cultural significance, entrepreneurship, and international partnership
History and Cultural Significance
The baskets had various uses and significance in the African traditional home, such as being used as wedding gifts from the mother-in-law to the daughter-in-law welcoming her to the family. Others would use them as housewarming gifts, Fruits, and vegetable baskets.
Basket weaving is deeply rooted in most African communities, each country has its unique weaving technique, pattern, and design
Craftmanship and Technique
The baskets are mainly weaved by women using wild grass, vines, sisal, and raffia. Resources that are readily available on farms and the wild.
Weaving techniques include; twinning, coiling, plaiting, and checkerboard
Colors used for the baskets are natural dyes; like tree bark, plants, flowers, and foodcolor.
Modern Application
African woven baskets have transitioned from functional items to decorative pieces, particularly as Decorative wall baskets.
Collaborations with international retailers, designers, and organizations helped to expand the market for African baskets beyond traditional craft fairs and local markets. These partnerships often involved incorporating African basketry into contemporary designs or working with designers to create unique products that appeal to global consumers.
Types of Wall Hanging Display
Be it in a a circle form, hexagon, or straight line there is no wrong way of hanging your baskets on the wall. What to keep in mind is where you want to display them, that should determine how to display them. for instance;
if it is an empty wall with a table or seat, you can display the baskets in the middle of the wall in a hexagon method
For narrow wall, you can go with a straight or abrupt method
Centerpieces is another option
Main wall baskets in Africa
-Rwanda Basket from Rwanda
-Tonga Basket from Zimbabwe
-Uganda Baskets from Uganda
-Wire basket from South Africa
Rwanda Baskets
Rwanda Colorful wall baskets were a concerted effort by the government and various organizations to promote economic development and empower women, who were Zimbabweans disproportionately affected by the conflict. Basket weaving emerged as one of the activities promoted for its economic potential, cultural significance, and social activity.
These baskets often feature intricate designs and vibrant colors, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda.
Tonga / Binga Baskets
Tonga baskets have a long history rooted in the cultural traditions of the Tonga people of Zimbabwe. For generations, Tonga women have woven these baskets using locally sourced materials such as vines, elephant grass, and tree bark.
Tourism played a role in exposing Tonga baskets to international markets. Visitors to Zimbabwe, particularly those exploring rural areas where Tonga communities reside, often encountered these baskets and sought to purchase them as souvenirs or decorative items. Additionally, trade fairs and cultural events provided platforms for Tonga artisans to showcase their work to a wider audience
Uganda Baskets on the Wall
Nonprofit organizations and government initiatives has played a crucial role in empowering Ugandan artisans and promoting their crafts internationally. These initiatives often provide training in design, quality control, and marketing, equipping artisans with the skills needed to compete in the global market.
Online platforms and digital marketing have also rise of e-commerce has provided new opportunities for Ugandan artisans to access international markets. Online platforms and social media channels enable artisans to reach customers directly, bypassing traditional intermediaries and expanding their customer base globally.
Sourcing and Sustainability
The baskets can be purchased at our online shop Tulia African Store
We have partnered with several women's communities throughout Africa collaborating with them helps us source personally making sure the the weavers get a fair share, and promoting sustainability and eco-friendly trade.
Conclusion
Woven baskets are still the key to wall decorations, one should consider getting a set for their space.
This will empower women who are weaving through economic growth and sustainability.
Tourism and international partnerships caught the attention of travelers, collectors, and artisans looking for unique pieces. The intricate designs and vibrant patterns of Tonga baskets became admired beyond Zimbabwe's borders, attracting attention from the international market.
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