Traditional Zulu Baskets
The
Zulus are the
largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry
and craftsmanship.
Dotted on the rolling hills of Kwa Zulu, there exists a beehive of industry
where numerous women work at the art of basketry. They have taken the
traditional art form and turned it into a way in which to supplement their
incomes and, in many cases their only means of income.
The women work in their homes, where they can assimilate basket-making
into their normal routine - giving themselves time to raise their children,
work in the fields, collect water and other daily chores.
Every basket is made by hand, using indigenous raw materials, and the
type of basket varies from area to area, depending on the availability
of raw materials, and the use to which the basket is to be put. It can
take up to one month to produce a medium sized basket that will be unique
in size, shape, pattern, weave and colour. A true collector's item.
Imbenge - A small saucer shaped bowl traditionally woven with Ilala palm and grass fibres. The Imbenge is used as a platter for serving dried foodstuffs, as well as used upside down to function as a lid or cover for the clay beer pots. When not in use it is hung up on the wall of the hut as part of the décor.
Ukhamba - A rigid, bulb shaped container, rendered watertight by the tightness of the coil/weave and the material used ( ilala palm). When liquids, generally home brewed beer, are introduced into the ukhamba, the pores swell, whilst the outside sweats, thus keeping the liquid cool by means of evaporation. These baskets are usually very decorative and colourful, particularly those made for ceremonial use.
Isichumo - a rigid bottle shaped basket used for carrying liquids. It often has a lid which fits over the neck like a cap. The same stitching technique is used as the Ukhamba, and it works on the same principle.
Isiquabetho - A large basin shaped basket used for gathering and carrying grain. The small bowls are used for serving dry foods such as beans, fruit or nuts.
Materials commonly used in basket weaving:
Ilala Palm - most desirable. Grows along the North Eastern Coast of Kwa Zulu. Once cut and dried, the leaf is then prepared for weaving into fine, often watertight baskets - Natural Shade: Cream
NCEBE - bark of wild banana, natural shade: light brown. These baskets are not watertight - used for dry storage. Dyed Ilala interwoven to impart colour and design.
Some common colours used in Zulu Basket weaving
All colours are natural obtained from boiling roots, leaves, berries and bark of indigenous flora. Many are seasonal.
Brown/Black( Isizimane) - Roots of tree, crushed and boiled for many days.
Pink/Lilac (Mphegumbefu) - Leaves of small bush (12-18 Hours)
Coral (Mgwenya) -Aloe Roots ( 4-6 hours)
Purple/Blue (Umdoni) - Skin of ripe umdoni berries (4-5 hours)
Burgundy/Maroon (Isfixu) - Bark of Marula Tree (1-2 hours)
Orange (Xomisane)- Roots of small plant (2-4 hours)
Mustard/Yellow (Icena) - Paste of wood-ash and water. Soaked overnight boiled 5-7 hours
Grey (Ijuba) - Soaked in black mud for up to 1 week
Khaki Green (Mxuba) - Fresh cow dung, soaked overnight in water, thereafter boiled with palm leaves for 4-5 hours. The green colour is clearer in Spring.