Tutsi Agaseki or Ibeseke Basket

Rust-red coils and one bold black lightning bolt zigzagging around a squat, steep-sided body.

This agaseki or ibeseke basket is Tutsi, from Rwanda, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Lidded or open, a basket in this tradition is generally a household vessel, used for carrying, storing or serving food and other everyday goods. A small lidded form in deep reddish brown, the lid tapering to a slender point. A heavy black zigzag band wraps the upper body, with a second, smaller stroke near the foot. Coils are tight and even. It is 3 inches wide, 3 deep and 6 high.

Short on height, long on swagger.