Baskets

Makenge Baskets:  The Mbunda speaking people from western Zambia weave these ruggedly unique and beautiful baskets. They get their name after the large Makenge bushes that grow throughout the Mongu region anywhere near water. They send out long, shallow roots that the weavers can dig up easily from the sandy soil. These baskets take over a week to complete, from digging roots, peeling them, boiling them with other plants to dye them, letting them out to dry and finally weaving them into these beauties.

Inyabu Baskets:  We are excited to introduce the Refugee Collection of hand woven baskets made by Burundian refugee artisans in the Mtendeli Camp in northwest Tanzania. A product with an incredible story! The feed sacks in which refugees receive their monthly food rations are recycled and woven with the grasses native to the region, which gives these baskets their white color. They are accented with minimalist designs in colorful threads giving them a modern look, perfect for adding a touch of handmade to a contemporary space. Truly a purchase with purpose, every sale of these baskets directly benefits a refugee woman weaver and her family.

Tonga Baskets:  These beautiful baskets are made in the remote Binga district of Northern Zimbabwe, home to the displaced Tonga people. Today, many Tonga women utilize traditional weaving techniques to create intricately patterned baskets. Tonga baskets are woven using the over and under style of "simple" weaving and a 16 inch diameter basket can take around 2 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. When you purchase a fairly traded item like this African basket, you receive a beautiful artisan product while helping a family in a developing country raise their standard of living. Additionally, you are playing an important part in keeping traditional crafts alive.

**A percentage of the purchase of any baskets on this page benefits the Atlanta Children's Shelter.   Please contact Avery Gallery to purchase. Delivery is available for a nominal fee.**

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