Tonga Basket Hand Woven In Zimbabwe

This Tonga basket handmade at The Binga Craft Centre in Zimbabwe, contributing to a sustainable income source for women in this very difficult area, as well as supporting the continuation of traditional crafts. The Tonga women utilize traditional weaving techniques to create these intricately patterned baskets.

Tonga baskets are woven using the over and under the style of ‘simple’ weaving, and a 16-inch diameter basket can take around two 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.

Each basket is made by hand so there may be slight and subtle variations in size, color, or pattern. This is what makes it unique and a true piece of African art. The baskets are Fair Trade, and your purchase of these baskets will help provide a stable income and a good standard of living for the artists and their families. Each basket is individually made each unique with its own markings.