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The Zulus, the largest ethnic group in southern Africa, have long been renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Dotted on the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal Province in South Africa are the homes where the women work at the art of basketry. Zulus have taken their traditional art forms and turned them into a way in which to supplement their incomes or, in many cases, to provide their only means of income. The women work in their homes, where they can assimilate basket making into their normal routine - giving themselves time to raise their children, work in the fields, collect water and do other daily chores. Every piece, made by hand using indigenous materials, can take up to six weeks to produce. Each basket will be unique in size, shape, pattern, weave and color and is a true collector’s item. Zulu baskets can hold liquid because of the tightness of the coil/weave and the material used. When liquids (traditionally home brewed beer) are introduced into the baskets, the pores swell while the outside sweats. This keeps the liquid cool by means of evaporation. Although baskets are being replaced with plastic containers in many Zulu homes now, the woven baskets continue to hold great cultural significance. ILALA PALM, the most
commonly used materials used in Zulu basket-weaving, grows along the
North-Eastern Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. It’s natural color
when dried is cream. All basket colors are natural and obtained from
boiling roots, leaves, berries and bark of indigenous flora. BROWN/BLACK Grass is boiled in roots of trees or buried in mud by the rivers’ edge BURGUNDY/MAROON Grass in soaked for several days in water containing a collection of tin cans MUSTARD/YELLOW Grass is soaked in a paste of wood-ash and water. KHAKI GREEN Grass is soaked in water and fresh cow dung. Most baskets range in price from $30.00 to $300.00 The bowls may be from 9" to 18” in diameter. Pots with lids may be 6" – 24” tall. Hot pads or place mats, which are 9" and 11" in diameter, cost $9.00 and $15 respectively. Ikusasalethu’s baskets and beads are distributed by LATTICE Inc.., a non-profit organization linking all types of teachers to international cross-cultural education. For further information contact sallyma@comcast.net |
