Handmade Basket from Rwanda 16" Diameter x 4.5" High (approx.) Raffia is coil-sown over bundled sweet grass. This is a stock photo and the basket you receive will be this style. Because each bowl is a unique work of art, variations in size and color will occur.   Basket weaving has been a part of Rwandan culture for centuries. In the past, weaving was a hobby for the women or was used to create containers for the giving of gifts. After the 1994 genocide, women began producing the baskets for commercial sale as a way of providing an income for their families. These baskets are made entirely from organic materials, such as sisal fibers, raffia, sweet grass, banana leaves, papaya leaves, and other plant materials. The baskets are dyed with either natural plant pigments, tea leaves, or organic dyes sourced in the US. Each basket has a sewn-in hanger on the back to add beauty to your home. The functional uses of the baskets are many. Use them to hold fruits, vegetables, bread, office supplies, art supplies, or many other functions. The baskets will be a source of conversation with family and friends as you share the vision of helping women work their way out of poverty through beautiful craftsmanship. Purchase will be shipped once payment clears. See our other wonderful gift items and save on shipping by making multiple purchases. Email queries welcomed. Auction winner agrees to respond by email within 3 days and pay within 10. If you are not a serious buyer please do not bid. If you do not send payment within that time without having made other arrangements, a case will be opened to cancel your purchase. If you aren't already known for your great gifts, shop with us and earn a fabulous reputation. We work hard to find unusual, affordable and enduring gifts for our customers to order from home! You'll be amazed by the variety of very special gift items we have collected from all over the world. Check out our ebay store for other wonderful Zulu and African crafts. Thanks for Looking - Worldesigns