Basket

Creator

Preview

Geography

Kwazulu-Natal Region

South Africa, Africa

Culture

Zulu people

Medium

Palm fiber

Dimensions

7 2/16, Diam. 7 14/16 (18.1, Diam. 20 cm)
24.94 oz. (706.9 g)

Credit Line

Bequest of David P. Harris ('46), 2020

Accession Number

2020.205

Provenance

Purchased by David P. Harris (‘46) from The Chair House in San Francisco.

Description

This round palm basket with a lid was handwoven by a member of the Zulu people. Baskets historically served as utilitarian containers in Zulu life that were decorated with simple designs or devoid of ornament. They are traditionally used for storage of food and beer.

For a comparable, see the Lidded basket found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000.441a, b