|
|
|
|
< Back to search results
|
|
|
Rawandan Sisal Baskets |
Rwanda, a tiny land-locked country in eastern Africa, tragically is best known for the horrific genocide that occurred in 1994. Nearly a million people, or about 10% of Rwanda's population, were killed.
Rwanda is now a country in which women are rising to the forefront of economic, political and social institutions. In the immediate aftermath of the genocide, females represented 70% of Rwanda's population since so many men had been killed. After some time had passed, the women were faced with a decision of either collapsing of inconsolable pain, or moving on together to rebuild their lives.
Because so many men had perished, it was clear that women must play a significant role in Rwanda's rebuilding and democratic transition. Previously excluded from positions of influence, women now participate as elected officials, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Today widows come together to make exquisite traditional baskets and create economic opportunities for their families. As they sit and weave, they heal in body, mind, and soul, and position themselves and their families for a more stable future.
These finely crafted, delicate baskets are made from natural fibers and woven using a technique that has been practiced for almost a thousand years. The baskets, with their unique form only made in Rwanda, have served many functions in Rwandese history including holding food, celebrating weddings, and carrying secrets from one woman to another. The traditional Rwandese basket with its conical top and "zigzag" stripes is the centerpiece of their rebuilding, and a national symbol that adorns the official Rwandese seal.
The sale of beautiful, handmade goods plays an important role in Rwanda's transition.
Each Rwandan basket is individually hand-woven, and the designs will vary by village and artisan. Rwanda is known as the Land of 1000 Hills, and the diamonds in pattern shown on the left basket below represent those hills, particularly as seen in the volcanic region of the north. Baskets shown from left to right: Black Thousand Hills, and two versions of the Black ZigZag designs. The Thousand Hill design also available in Dark Brown.
DIMENSIONS
Traditional Sisel: 10" high
Magazine Basket: 12" W x 8" L x 16" H
Coffee Tray: 11" L x 9" W x 2" H
|
| Item # |
Description |
Price |
|
| FT12181 |
Rawandan Sisal Baskets (Black and White) |
$48.00 |
Add
to Cart
|
| FT12183 |
Rawandan Traditional Sisal Baskets (Red Design) |
$48.00 |
Add
to Cart
|
|
Rawandan Sisal Baskets (Black and White)
|
|
Rawandan Traditional Sisal Baskets (Red Design)
|
|
