Tonga Basket – Fair Trade from Zimbabwe

Description

Handmade in Zimbabwe

These beautiful baskets are made in the remote Binga district of Northern Zimbabwe – home to the displaced Tonga people. Today, many Tonga women utilize traditional weaving techniques to create intricately patterned baskets. Tonga baskets are woven using the over and under style of ‘simple’ weaving and a 16 inch diameter basket can take around 2 weeks to complete. The baskets are finished using a coiled rim with a distinctive herringbone pattern.

These baskets are made from all natural and locally harvested materials such as wild grasses, small vines, and palm leaves dyed with tree bark. The largest sized bowls are still used by the Tonga people for their original purpose of winnowing grains.

When you purchase a fairly traded item like this African basket, you receive a beautiful artisan product while helping a family in a developing country raise their standard of living. Additionally, you are playing an important part in keeping traditional crafts alive.

Measurements

Small: 13-15″

Medium: 15-17″

Large: 18 – 20″

**Patterns vary for each unique basket**

About the Artisan Group

Mbare works with artisans across Africa to produce high quality décor and gifts made from natural + recycled materials. They engage in fair + sustainable trade, creating win-win partnerships with our their artisan producers. Borrowing the name from the famous Mbare Musika marketplace in Harare, Mbare takes pride in bringing African creativity to you.

About Accompany:

Accompany is a curated global marketplace featuring sustainable and ethical styles from artists and designers around the world. First and foremost, our mission is to change the lives of individuals, families and communities, for good through economic involvement at the heart of communities.