Coiled Grass Woven Radial Pattern Basket Hausa Africa Fertility 9.5" Boho

Description

This vintage African basket is recognizable from the Hausa people in West Africa, both from the tight weave and the color combination, as well as the design. Hausa basket-making is traditionally done by the women. The Hausa people collect various grasses, which they harvest every summer and weave into grain bowls, and shallow winnowing baskets such as this one. Although their baskets are utilitarian, they also often serve as decoration when not being used. This one would be gorgeous on a gallery wall with leafy plants all around. A piece of fishing wire is attached to the back for hanging.
The Hausa people create flat, radial-patterned coiled baskets that are commonly given as gifts. These baskets serve as trays and also as lids for the tops of large calabash (gourd) vessels that hold grain or liquids; the baskets were made to fit snugly just inside the rim of a vessel, so that the lid would not be blown away by the wind. The geometric patterns on the basket, and in particular the triangle designs, were adopted by the Hausa from the Islamic Tuareg culture. In these cultures, triangles symbolize female fertility and they are believed to ward off evil.
Measures 9.5" diameter. Very good condition.
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