Kenyan Kiondos

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Tribes across Kenya weave baskets called kiondos from the fibres of a plant called Sisal. The baskets are put to  various uses, such as shopping, carrying goods to market, storing food and spices, and giving as gifts. 

Sisal fibres, stripped from the plant’s outer layers so it can keep growing, are sunvdried under the African sun before being twisted together into a stronger thread. Some threads are dyed, then the weaving begins.

Did you know Sisal is a naturally resilient, fire-retarding, sound absorbing, anti-static material? It's also used in many  building materials, carpets, ropes and twine, paper, cloth, footwear, hats, bags, geotextiles, dartboards and the aerospace industry! 

Dyes are typically made from pounding the roots and bark of trees, vegetables and other plants. Recently, weavers have begun using some sustainably sourced synthetic dyes.

The baskets' leather handles and labels are made from cowhide, a by-product of the Maasai tribal meat industry, and an an important source of income and wealth for nomadic livestock herders.

We have a vast range of colourful baskets, bursting with natural beauty and style. Hand bags, beach bags, laundry baskets, shoe baskets and so much more. Uses are limited only by your imagination. A make up brush holder, perhaps, to hold a plant, or fire wood.

Each basket is individually hand made, making each piece unique.