MBIO: Handwoven Red and Purple Wool Tote Bag

Introducing MBIO: a one-off woollen basket bag handwoven by the Kamba tribe in Kenya. Bolts of bright red and purple pop against a natural base, creating a distinctly tribal effect. This exquisite basket bag is modelled on the Kenyan kiondo (kee-yon/-doh) – a type of storage basket traditionally woven in rural Kenyan communities by mothers as wedding gifts for their daughters. Kiondo weaving was becoming a rare craft in Kenya until very recently: in 2004 only four elders from this cooperative had the experience to make them. Today around fifty active members are reviving this stunning craft, which is typically passed down the female bloodline. The wool used to create these elaborate designs is sourced from upcycled woolly jumpers purchased at second hand clothes markets, and each bag takes up to six days to complete. The basket bags are then sent to a leading local leather works to be finished, being fitted with cowhide shoulder straps. To take home one of our Nifty Knit Basket Bags is to become an important part of our journey: a tale that weaves together generations of craftsmanship. We are proud to support the weavers, providing a sustainable source of income for farming communities whose primary income can be unreliable. Each woven basket is supplied with some information about the weaving cooperative that made it, and you can meet the weavers HERE. Material: SISAL & RECYCLED WOOL (NATURAL & SYNTHETIC) LEATHER STRAPS Dimensions: approx 31cm Dia x 32cm H / 12" Dia x 12" H (width is measured at the widest part of the bag)Strap Length: 29cm approxPlease note, as this is a handmade product, dimensions & colour may vary from those shown in the photographs. HANDMADE IN KENYA