Zulu Cone Baskets

The Zulu cone basket pieces are produced by a community of Ilala Weavers from the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. The weavers use traditional Zulu basketry weaving techniques that have been handed down through generations. The baskets feature woven patterns that symbolise various elements of the life of the Zulu people.

● Type: Basket
● Dimensions: 23 H x 45 ∅ cm
● Material: Grass
● Date: 2021

Every basket is woven by hand using Ilala palm, an indigenous grass that grows on the shores of the wetlands area of South Africa. The Ilala palm is first harvested and dried, then the leaves are cut into fine strips that are boiled in big pots together with local plants, leaves, berries and roots which create a natural dye. The strips are then woven to create the baskets using a coiling technique, one of the most popular weaving methods for Zulu baskets.

The Artisan: a crafted tea roomExhibition