Woven Palm Basket CV

Our Woven Palm Baskets are handmade by a cooperative of women artisans in Northern Zimbabwe. Using a locally sourced ilala palm, the weavers create each basket entirely by hand using a traditional weaving process.

To create the baskets, the artisans first harvest the ilala palm leaves in the bush surrounding their village. The leaves are then boiled to soften the stems before they are dyed with locally harvested bark and roots. They are left to air dry in the hot sun for several days. The artisans then take the dried leaves and weave them together. The center of each basket begins with a distinctive herringbone pattern that blends into a design inspired by nature. The baskets are finished with a raised rim.

The cooperative currently employs over 80 women artisans who have learned to weave from each other and their ancestors. Earnings are used to support their families as well as cover schooling fees for their children, two of which are in high school and aspire to become doctors.

Ilala palm baskets are used in Zimbabwe for serving fruit and gathering eggs. They are also given as a traditional wedding gift. We think they are a wonderful and practical gift, either as a serving basket or featured as a collection on the wall. Every purchase directly supports our artisan cooperative in Zimbabwe.