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African Polychrome Handwoven Basket

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 200.00 USD
African Polychrome Handwoven Basket
Featured in this lot is an African Polychrome handwoven basket, similar in construction and design as Rwandan basketry. Made of all natural fibres of sisal and sweetgrass, dyed with natural dyes. Basket weaving is an age-old pastime in Rwanda, an activity that bonded neighbors and family members across generations. The famous “Agaseke,” or “peace basket,” is a basket with a tall, pyramid-shaped lid; historically, it was a symbol of harvest time and plentiful food. The centuries-old tradition of basket weaving has taken on a new significance in the wake of the 1994 genocide, hence why it has been aptly nicknamed the “peace basket.”The country slowly started to heal and rebuild itself through reconciliation and peace-building efforts. The age-old tradition of basket weaving paved a way for women to work collectively towards a renewed future. As weaving has evolved and expanded over the years, so have the designs and patterns. Baskets are now decorated with spirals, diamonds, and many other creative patterns in black and white, blues and greens, deep reds and purples, and natural shades of tan, orange, and brown. This basket is in very fine condition, the varying colours are vibrant, the sunburst design weaving is tight, no obvious marring noted. Measures 12" diameter top, 7.25" diameter base, and 4.25"D, 6.5"H