Traditional Tribal Zulu Ukhamba Basket

This is a medium sized ceremonial basket measuring about 6.5" across and 6.5" high woven by Nomusa Mdlali in a traditional design. The pink and purple colors used in this basket are unusual and generated by soaking leaves and Umdoni berries for many hours to extract the dye.

Ukhamba baskets are hand made by Zulu women in their homes where they can assimilate basket making into their daily routine giving themselves time to raise their children, work in the fields, collect water, till the fields and other daily chores while still earning an income.

Ukhamba baskets are traditionally used for home brewed beer. They are crafted from Illala Palm which swells when it gets wet. This, added to the tightness of the weave, makes the baskets water tight. The outside of the basket sweats which keeps the contents cool. These baskets are often used as ceremonial items for sharing beer at weddings as well as daily village life.