Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Basketry of Botswana


In Botswana the traditional and until fairly recently, neglected craft of basketry, has been turned into an art form.

Basketry had always been an important part of everyday life in Botswana, particularly within the agricultural world. Various forms were used in order to carry food, winnow grain and for many other vital necessities within a farming community. Most were at that time, plain, unpatterned and practical.

Basketry design and making has generally been dominated by women in Botswana, and many generations have added to the skills base and design parameters of this ancient craft form. It is believed that basketry was one of the first forms of textile developed by early humans. Basketry was certainly the base for both the weaving and ceramic industries and without the initial time and effort spent on the development of the medium, the two other forms would not have been able to develop, or at least not been able to reach their full potential.

Although basketry is one of the most ancient human crafts, it is also still very much relevant and contemporary. In Botswana new patterns are being integrated into the traditional craft, and artists are being encouraged to open up the diversity in both weave and colour techniques. The standard of basketry is always being tested in the country through various educational upgrading courses, competitions and exhibitions. This all helps to maintain the level of basketry in Botswana at such a high level, that it is not surprising that it is now considered that the country's basketry makers produce some of the best examples of contemporary work in the world.

Many of the designs are personal to the artist though some are from traditional sources. Basketry in Botswana was originally unpatterned but through both outside influences and innovation within the country, a whole complex system of patterns are now used with an increasingly widening colour palette.

There are now a number of well-known basketry artists within Botswana. In fact basketry has become part of the fabric of the country with many being exported successfully to both Europe and North America. A typical basket takes about a month of constant work to produce. All are made using natural and locally sourced materials, which includes the dyes used to colour the different vegetable fibres that go to make up the many and varied patterns and design work that helps to make these some of the most distinctive coiled baskets within the medium.

All the baskets shown in this article are available for sale through the comprehensive and well-stocked Botswanacraft website. Botswanacraft was established in 1970 by the Botswana Development Corporation in order to develop rural based handicrafts within the country. It is now the leading retailer and exporter of crafts in Botswana and has been one of the main instigators in the resurgence of the traditions of basketry, placing many of the makers on the same footing as a fine artist.

A list of Botswana's leading basketry artists appears below. Each artist has a short biography with examples of their work. The list, part of the Botswanacraft website, can be found here.

Kapanyi Mponda
Diidhi Disho
Mayowa Kushonya
Khumo Setabosha
Mahurero Twapika
Kathiko Muyevu
Maria Thomas
Dishaka Morao
Tukarenao Phethatho
Mokhwahepo Muronga
Thimporeni Muronga
Kayana Twapika
Mashe Mbombo
Napemba Mashupa
Keitumetse Morite
Kurushe Diyeve
Kare Maramo
Kushamona Keemetse
Tupwemo Mafuta
Moshinga Thomas
Nashira Thinkongo


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