Tutsi Agaseki or Ibeseke Basket

Weathered tan coils, a tall lid, and zigzags that have seen some sunlight.

This agaseki or ibeseke basket is Tutsi, from Rwanda, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Baskets of this kind are associated with Tutsi households in Rwanda, where fine coiled basketry has long been a respected craft, often practiced by women. The lid climbs in a gently concave cone to a thin dark tip. Black angular bands zigzag across the tapered body, softened by a matte, slightly worn surface and visible variations in the coil color. It is 9 inches high and 4.25 in diameter.

Well handled and not the least bit sorry.