Tonga Basket - Extra Large

Maker: Mbare

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 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. Thank you for your purchase!

Diameter: 22 - 26" **Patterns vary for each unique basket** Made in: Zimbabwe