Vintage Makenge Basket — Handwoven, Zambia

Name: Vintage Makenge Basket — Handwoven, Zambia
Brand: WILLAGE
SKU: WLG-DECOR-MAKENGE-BASKET-S-001
Price: 150.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$150.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

A vintage Makenge basket, handwoven by the Mbunda women of Zambia's Upper Zambezi River region. Makenge baskets are among Africa's most collected textile arts — woven from fibers hand-harvested and dyed with the root of the Makenge bush, then shaped over months into the deep, concentric patterns that give each piece its quiet geometry. Each basket carries its own story, pattern, and age.

Every piece is one of a kind. Older examples are particularly prized for the depth of their colors, the intricacy of their raised grass patterns, and the history carried in their weave. Used traditionally for winnowing grain and household storage, today these baskets hang as wall art, rest as sculptural objects, or gather on a shelf — each one a small document of place, tradition, and craft.

Available in three sizes: Small (15.5"–17" D) · Medium (17.5"–18.5" D) · Large (18.5"–22" D) Natural Makenge bush root dye · Hand-harvested grass · Handwoven in Zambia · Wipe gently with a dry cloth to clean.

If you're looking for a specific pattern or a particular piece, reach out to our team at contact@willage.life — we're happy to share what's in the collection.

Dimensions

Small: 15.5–17 in (39–43 cm) diameter · Medium: 17.5–18.5 in (44–47 cm) · Large: 18.5–22 in (47–56 cm)

Dimensions

Small: 15.5–17 in (39–43 cm) diameter · Medium: 17.5–18.5 in (44–47 cm) · Large: 18.5–22 in (47–56 cm)

Origin

Zambia

Origin

Zambia

MATERIALS

Hand-harvested grass, naturally dyed with Makenge bush root

MATERIALS

Hand-harvested grass, naturally dyed with Makenge bush root

STORY

Makenge baskets are among Africa's most storied textile arts — handwoven by the Mbunda women of Zambia's Upper Zambezi River region, where the tradition has been passed down through generations. Each basket begins with hand-harvested grass and the root of the Makenge bush, which produces the distinctive warm earth tones the baskets are known for. A single basket can take weeks to complete, coiled patiently by hand into the deep concentric patterns that carry meaning, memory, and craft.

Vintage examples — like the ones in this collection — are especially prized by collectors for the richness of their natural dyes, the complexity of their raised grass patterns, and the quiet history each piece carries. What began as a utilitarian vessel for winnowing and storage has become a celebrated work of African textile art, held by collectors and museums around the world.

STORY

Makenge baskets are among Africa's most storied textile arts — handwoven by the Mbunda women of Zambia's Upper Zambezi River region, where the tradition has been passed down through generations. Each basket begins with hand-harvested grass and the root of the Makenge bush, which produces the distinctive warm earth tones the baskets are known for. A single basket can take weeks to complete, coiled patiently by hand into the deep concentric patterns that carry meaning, memory, and craft.

Vintage examples — like the ones in this collection — are especially prized by collectors for the richness of their natural dyes, the complexity of their raised grass patterns, and the quiet history each piece carries. What began as a utilitarian vessel for winnowing and storage has become a celebrated work of African textile art, held by collectors and museums around the world.

Care Instructions

Wipe gently with a dry cloth. Avoid direct moisture, humidity, and prolonged direct sunlight to preserve natural fibers and plant-based dyes. Handle vintage pieces with care — some variation, patina, and small imperfections are part of their history and character.

Care Instructions

Wipe gently with a dry cloth. Avoid direct moisture, humidity, and prolonged direct sunlight to preserve natural fibers and plant-based dyes. Handle vintage pieces with care — some variation, patina, and small imperfections are part of their history and character.