Makenge Marriage Basket from Zambia

In rural Zambia near Victoria Falls, new brides are given a hand woven basket handmade from the roots of the Makenge bush which is truly an art form of its own. The roots are boiled until they are soft and are colored with natural plant dyes.  

A wedding basket is a woman’s most useful and valuable possession. This is an old tradition carried on from centuries.  In most instances, the baskets are handed down to the bride by her mother or in laws.  In the future, the same basket will be passed on to her newly married daughter.  The baskets are so durable due to the fact that the same basket can be used in a single family for over a century.  

The baskets are weaved by the most skilled Mbunda craftswomen and each basket features a unique one of a kind design in black and or natural rust colors.  The married women use the baskets for winnowing grain, collect and store harvested roots and rice, decorate their homes by hanging the basket on the wall. 

Because this is a handmade item, each Makenge basket is unique and pattern will vary.  If you wish to order online or want a specific option, please request a photo to be emailed to you. 

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Measurments: 16" - 18" 

Made in Zambia