Posted 8 years ago
Ekimgnik
(1 item)
Large 17 inch basket with red and black circular stripes. Tight weave.Found at local thrift shop. Wondering if this is an Apache basket I need further clarification or somebody that knows something more than I do. The basket shows age and has what appears to be Willow rods as part of its construction as seen in the bare spots in the weave on the edge.
No, not Apache or Native American. It's African, from Zambia.
It is what is called a makenge basket, made from the root of the local makenge bush. Simple red and black bands of decoration are common features of these, as is the design pattern formed by the way adjoining stitches are placed side by side, rather than alternating rows, to create a subtle background texture.
It may appear older than it is, since it is all traditionally hand made, with natural dyes and local materials, but chances are it is no older than 10-15 years. They are an important source of income for the local women, and have been sold on line by wholesalers for the last 10 years or so.
Thanks so much for the information. This me wrong and the wife right!
The basket looks very nice where you have it displayed though, I think I'd keep it! :^)
Mystery solved, thanks to CanyonRoad. :)