Zulu Rattan Basket, South Africa

A lidded, round-bellied basket with bold brown zigzags climbing up its sides.

This rattan basket is Zulu, from South Africa, and dates to the mid 20th century. The Zulu of South Africa have a strong tradition of basketry, and tightly worked coiled baskets were once used to carry and store food and drink. Coiled basket with a swelling body and a peaked, pointed lid topped with a small knob. Large dark and tan zigzag bands run around the form on a pale cream ground, with finely stitched coils. It is 13.5 inches high and 11.5 in diameter.

Round, patterned, and gently cheerful.