Basket

Item number 636/18 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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Description

Light yellow-brown coil basket with blue patterns. Basket is low and wide, with a slight flare, raised lip around the opening, and a fitted lid with a raised point in the centre. Thin blue braided handle runs overtop the lid.

History Of Use

Based on its lid, this basket was likely used for storage. Grass weaving is done by both men and women, but baskets are traditionally woven by most women. The intricate shape and design of this basket indicates a skilled basket maker. The presence of indigo dye also shows the basket maker's wide access to rarer dying materials; indigo was abnormal for Ovimbundu basketry and is more associated with textiles from West Africa. The patterns- triangular and checkered- are common among Ovimbundu basketry.