The Tonga Blond Basket XL
Do you prefer blond hair or brown hair? Look no further: these original flat palm tree leaves baskets are ideal for wall hanging, adding texture and a natural feel to your wall.
Handmade by the BaTonga people at the Binga district and considered the apex of the basketmaker's art in Zimbabwe.
Baskets start as a woven square and end up round. They are dyed with natural materials and are used to winnow grain, even today.
Each basket takes about 2-4 days of work.
Ilala palm is a species of palm tree native to the eastern Afrotropics. This plant has for many centuries, in addition to providing weaving materials, been used for many other needs. The palm fronds are sustainably harvested and traded to the weavers. The weavers pull the palm fronds into strips and dye the strips utilizing seasonal fruits, roots, and barks of specific trees to obtain a variety of colors - a technique that is handed down from old masters to young ones.
Our partners in the north part of Zimbabwe are the Tonga people, an ethnic group of 300,000 people, who are famous for their Tonga baskets. We work with their collective center, which also helps them with farming, honey production, nutrition gardens, savings and lending clubs, health sensitization projects among other initiatives.“It is also about community development because we want our empowered members to live in empowered communities” one member says.
Eco Friendly
We look for beautiful objects that are good for the environment and our well being. Our products are natural and eco-friendly.
Hand Made
We searched for the best artisans who preserve old crafts passed down from generation to generation, creating handmade wall decor.
Ethically Made
We work with local collectives and families to ensure their well being, sustaining their craft and paying respect to their traditions.