A Journey Through the History of African Baskets

I’m Rufina, and today I want to share with you the captivating story behind the African woven baskets that have become a beloved part of our collection at Rufina Designs.

This journey takes us across the vibrant landscapes of Africa, from Ghana’s bustling markets to Rwanda’s serene hills, where each basket weaves a tale of tradition, sustainability, and community.

The history of African woven baskets is a tradition deeply rooted in history, stretching back thousands of years.

Obakki, a supplier of handmade crafts, shares an insightful observation on the ancient origins of these baskets. They mention, “African Baskets go back, way back, even pre-dating pottery. Archeologists discovered ‘imprints’ of African baskets in Gambol’s Cave, Kenya dating back some 10,000 years – the actual natural materials having long been returned to the earth.” This statement highlights just how ancient and integral these baskets are to African heritage.

Supporting this, Expedition Subsahara sheds more light on the craft’s antiquity, stating, “Archaeological evidence, such as fragments of baskets found in Egypt, suggests that the craft was practiced as far back as 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

These early baskets were likely used for a variety of purposes, including storage, carrying goods, and possibly even as sieves for grain processing.” This evidence shows that basket weaving has been a vital part of African life for millennia, serving multiple purposes in everyday life.

Basket weaving is a tradition steeped in family and community. It’s a skill that is often passed down from grandmothers and mothers to their daughters and granddaughters. These artisans use natural materials like grass, reeds, raffia, palm leaves, sisal, and various grasses to create these baskets.

Each basket is a piece of art, woven with stories and the spirit of the community that made it. 

Through these baskets, we can appreciate the artistry and ingenuity of African societies from thousands of years ago to the present day.

Africa is a huge place with many different kinds of woven baskets. Each place in Africa makes its own kind of basket, showing off what’s special about its people, culture, and land.

For example, Ghana is famous for its bright Bolga baskets. These baskets stand out because of their colors and durability. Down in South Africa, you’ll find Zulu baskets that are known for their intricate designs and fine details. Senegal is home to beautifully coiled baskets, while Zimbabwe is known for its Binga baskets, which are prized for their unique patterns and textures.

Basket weaving is very important in many African cultures. Often, baskets carry special meanings and are used in important events like weddings. They can be gifts or symbols of people coming together. The way a basket looks, what it’s made of, and its colors can tell you a lot about the culture it comes from.

Take, for instance, the “Uduseke” baskets from Rwanda. Karakorum, a company that makes ethical home decor, shares how these baskets have a deep cultural significance.

Rwandan women have been making these baskets for centuries, learning the craft from their mothers and grandmothers. But after the tragic events of the Rwandan civil war and genocide in 1994, these baskets took on a new meaning. Women from different groups started to make baskets together, calling them “peace baskets“, turning them into symbols of peace and reconciliation.

Then there are the “wishing” baskets made by the Batwa weavers, as mentioned by Baskets of Africa. There’s a belief that if you wish on something and put it in the basket, your wish will come true. These baskets are also used for carrying and storing things.

So, when you look at an African basket, you see more than just a container. They are used in special ceremonies, to store things, or as signs of social status.

Whether they’re used for daily chores, special ceremonies, or as beautiful pieces of home decor, these baskets are a colorful display of African heritage and traditions.

What makes African baskets so special is what they’re made of, how they’re made, and the hands that craft them.

First up, the materials.

All over Africa, basket weavers use what’s around them. What’s used to make these baskets can change a lot from one place in Africa to another. It all depends on what kind of plants grow around there. Most of the time, people use things like sisal, palm leaves, raffia, grass, reeds, and bamboo to make their baskets.

Because these materials come from the area where the basket is made, each one shows off its local surroundings.

Plus, a lot of the time, these materials are colored with dyes made from natural stuff. That’s how you get those bright and eye-catching patterns that African baskets are famous for. But it’s not just about what they’re made of; it’s also about how they’re made.

Weaving a basket can be done in a few different ways. Some are coiled, some are twined, and some are plaited. Each method gives the basket a different look and feel, and that adds to the huge variety of baskets you find all over Africa.

We are committed to sourcing our baskets ethically and sustainably from artisans across Africa.

Our collection is pretty special. It includes all sorts of baskets – ones you can hang on your wall, options for shopping, pots for your plants, baskets for your fruit, round baskets, and even baskets for your laundry and other storage needs.

Each type of basket has its use, but they all share something important – they tell a story and bring a piece of African art into your home.

We go to places like Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda to find these baskets. It’s important to us to choose baskets that are not only practical but also reflect the passion and spirit of the people who make them.

When you choose one of our baskets, it’s about more than just having something pretty or useful; it’s about connection, tradition, and supporting the incredible artisans who make these baskets by hand.

At the heart of what we do is more than just buying and selling baskets.

We believe in fair trade. This means making sure the amazing women who make these baskets get paid what they deserve. It helps them take care of their families and supports their communities too.

When the artisans get fair pay, they can keep making their beautiful baskets, passing down their skills to the next generation, and keeping their traditions alive.

Plus, using local and natural stuff to make these baskets is good for the planet.