~These are all East African baskets/ dishes that are hanging on our kitchen wall~(except for the little one found at a local thrift shop)
Finally I scheduled some time for Africa friday again.
I love LOVE african baskets of any sort. They weave amazing baskets there that are very inspirational.
We have brought many back with us already. Most have been given away, but some stayed and are hanging on walls or are brightening up cupboards. Ayanna plays with them and some hold her toys.
Recently I found this website all about African Baskets. Looking through their website I decided I would not mind buying a few more!! My favorite there are the Ghana Bolga Market baskets,
they are cheerful and just seem super handy. It would take me forever to choose out of all these beauties.
What makes all these baskets so special is the fact that they are unique, handmade. They re-use old rice bags, packaging material, grass, plastic bags and more.
They RECYCLE!
It shows the creativity of the people, the love color and shape.
(the above four pictures found in a Happinez magazine)
(above photo found at create for a cause)
My very personal favorite in our home is the Iringa basket. We bought it on the market in Kigoma, where one lady (Monica) now started a small store with handmade things. A very smart woman, as the town of Kigoma Tanzania has many expats coming in and out who like to buy some kind of souvenir.
The Iringa basket seems very durable and are almost foldable. Made out of milulu grass and natural dye. Iringa is a city about 300 miles from Dar es Salaam, home to the hehe people and near Ruaha national Park. To be honest I was very shocked to see for how much their baskets sell in shops online and in stores. They were ones featured in american vogue magazine and I guess became a "wanted item." I for sure would try and buy these fair trade if not local, so that the money will go back to the artist/community.
I could go on and on about the beauty of the baskets...
LOVE LOVE LOVE the colors of these baskets. they are so raw and like you said, original.
I didn't know that your African friend Monica had started her business, good for her~! I hope she's doing well. How did she get the money to start it?
Posted by: Cass. | Jul 02, 2010 at 01:21 PM
You can definitely feel the soul of their heritage and culture woven into those baskets. Those are really fine works of art, and thanks for featuring them in your blog! God bless you and Monica!
Posted by: Belle Styler | May 25, 2011 at 01:09 PM