Zimbabwean Binga baskets
Who makes them?
These baskets are named after the remote Binga district.
Binga is home to the displaced baTonga people. Traditionally, they wove baskets for winnowing grains. Today they are still used for winnowing grains but also as wall and table decorations.
Many Tonga women use traditional weaving techniques to create these intricately patterned baskets, often using the money they earn to send their children to school. The baskets are made from locally harvested, natural, sustainable materials, such as wild grasses, small vines, and palm leaves dyed with tree bark.
The weaving technique is distinctive - using a ‘simple’ over and under style and finishied with a coiled rim in a herringbone pattern. This technique is passed down through family apprenticeships, from generation to generation.
A 16 inch diameter basket will take about three days to finish.
These baskets have found an international market in art and interior design, which is not surprising as they are absolutely incredible! Rare and divine, we feel privileged to stock them.
