Authentic African baskets are handmade usually from some type of vegetal fibre, they may take up to two weeks to weave depending on size. Basktemaking is one of the oldest crafts known to man, baskets have been found in Egypt that are thought to be about 12000 yrs old. This craft has developed very little over the centuries because the craft is very hard to mechanize and has never successfully been done on a machine. There is a certain aura of quaintness about baskets and most baskets nowadays are bought for decoratition rather than functionality.

The 3 parts of a basket are the base, the side walls and the rim. Patterns of basketmaking vary greatly from place to place. Different types of weaving are also employed. These baskets must be kept in cool, dry rooms and away from constant, direct as this quickly depreciates them. They are relatively easy to maintain.

In Africa, this craft is mostly done by women who sell them themselves or through a co-op. A surge in the demand of these authentic handmade items has caused alot of development in the craft and made it easier to find them. A basket like this is very easy to present and incorporate in most types of decor. The neutral colors are also very compatible. Thank you for looking at my guide.