Zulu Beer Baskets from Africa

The Zulu are the largest tribe in South Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Zulu basketmakers are widely considered among the best in the world. For many rural Zulu families, basketmaking is the only income. Every basket is made by hand, using indiginous raw materials. It can take up to a month to produce a medium sized basket. This basket is an UKHAMBA, or ISCHUMO, a rigid bulb shaped container, rendered water-tight by the tightness of the weave/coils. When liquids (generally home brewed beer) are stored in it, the pores swell and the outside sweats, which cools the contents of the basket.

Zulu beer baskets, isichumo are made from the young leaf shoots of the Ilala palm. The leaves are split with the fingers, and dried in the sun. Beer drinking is frequently associated with ancestor worship. Originally, cattle were sacrificed to appease the ancestors, but now, due to economic circumstances, goats and even beer are used. Chief huts usually contain a dark secret part of the interior where beer and utensils are stored, and where sacrifices are made. Baskets and other utensils were buried with the dead to provide them sustenance in the hereafter.

Dye stuffs are roots and barks of plants, with the exception of black, which uses battery acid! Dye stuffs are finbely chopped, water is added, and the grasses to be dyed are boiled in this mixture. Designs are taken from traditional Zulu beadwork. We spent many hours selecting baskets this summer.

Recommended Reading: For more information, and striking examples, see Zulu Treasures, Amagugu kaZulu, published by KwaZulu Cultural Museum.

To see fine examples of Baskets, Textiles and Artifacts from Africa please visit our eBay store Africa Direct.

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