A basket handmade by the Zulu People in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This ukhamba basket was woven by Thokoile Myeni. Ukhamba …
A basket handmade by the Zulu People in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This ukhamba basket was woven by Thokoile Myeni. Ukhamba baskets are rigid, bulb-shaped containers, rendered water-tight by the tightness of the coil/weave and the material used (Ilala palm). When liquids (generally home-brewed beer) are introduced into the ukhamba, the pores swell, whilst the outside sweats, thus keeping the liquid cool by means of evaporation. These baskets are usually very decorative and colorful. Particularly those made for ceremonial use.

The Zulu are the largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Zulu basket makers are widely considered among the best in the world. Dotted on the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, there exists a beehive of industry, where numerous women work at the art of basketry. They have taken the traditional art form and turned it into a way in which to supplement their incomes, and in many cases 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 other daily chores. Every basket is made by hand, using indigenous raw materials, and the type of basket varies from area to area, depending on the availability of raw materials, and the use to which the basket is to be put. It can take up to one month to produce a medium-sized basket that will be unique in size, shape, pattern, weave, and color. Designs are taken from traditional Zulu beadwork. A true collector’s item.

Sara and Elizabeth personally selected these baskets on their recent trip to South Africa.