Painted Tonga Baskets

These solid-edged baskets are the apex of the basket maker’s art in Zimbabwe. The baskets start as a woven square and end up almost perfectly round. The pattern on the edging is referred to as “snake’s belly”, as the pattern resembles the scales of a serpent. The design is very functional, as the baskets are used to winnow grain even today. The baskets are sometimes called “grandmother baskets” because few younger women are making them. Sizes: Large 60cm D Medium: 45cm Sizes are approximate as they will vary in each basket is hand crafted