African Crafts Market

Ukhamba Zulu beer basket

Size: 23cm x 25cm(H x W) - image above

Known locally in South African as Ukhamba which is the Zulu translation.

A traditional Zulu beer basket crafted out of Ilala Palm and woven with traditional Zulu patterns. The Zulu beer basket is a rigid bulb-shaped container rendered watertight by the tightness of the coil-weave. The Zulu beer basket is traditionally used to serve sorghum beer during traditional ceremonies Every basket is made by hand, using indigenous raw materials. The fronds of the Ilala Palm (Hyphaene Coriacea) are commonly used to weave the fine, watertight baskets, and dyes of vegetable origin (i.e. Roots, berries, bark, leaves) to color the palm. It can take up to one month to produce a medium-sized basket that will be unique in size, shape and pattern.

Every Zulu basket is made by hand, using indigenous materials and the type of baskets vary from area to area,depending on the availability of raw materials and the use to which the basket is to be put. It can take more than 1 month to make a medium size basket that will be unique in size, pattern,shape, weave an color.

A true collectors item. All sizes listed are approximate.

The African hand woven Zulu grass basket you purchase and receive may differ just slightly in size, look, and/or color from the African hand woven Zulu grass basket shown in the picture because each African hand woven Zulu grass basket is handcrafted by individual artists.

A true African hand woven Zulu grass basket!