THE  BASKET  STORY

​There is a long history of embellishing utilitarian objects with wire and metal through Africa.  In Southern Africa, prestige items, including staffs and snuff containers, had metal wire details added to them since the 19th century.  Beer pot covers, traditionally woven with plant fibers, were also embellished with wire or beadwork. 

​​In the late 20th century, these covers, or imbenge, were made larger and more decorative, resulting in the more contemporary art baskets featured here.  With the encouragement of artists like Marisa Fick-Jordaan, artists such as Elliot Mkhize and Bheki Dlamini developed unique and personal styles, in larger and larger scale.  
 
The "night watchman" story is true.  Elliot and Bheki were working nights, as security guards, and wanted something to do to pass the time.  Elliott recounts the story (to anyone that will listen) that he and Bheki replaced the traditional fibers with wire they would salvage in Durban.  Who was first, and who taught who, is open to debate.  Given Elliot is still alive and weaving, his is the story that gets repeated the most.

It is absolutely clear that without the support and encouragement of Marisa, this art form would have never reached the international markets and galleries.  Our 2005 book also helped to position what could have been an anonymous craft into an art form made by talented and unique artists.  Artists that are no longer overlooked.
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​We hope this site will continue to celebrate these talented artists.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following photographers responsible for images on this site:

Peter Vitale, United States
Andrew Cerino, Dallas, Texas
Kate Russell, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Jac de Villiers, South Africa

Please ask for permission before using any photographs on this site.