Baskets of Africa: Swazi Sisal Baskets

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Swazi Sisal Baskets

Woven in Swaziland

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The sisal plant is extraordinarily strong and durable - so much so, in fact, that its leaves are often used as ropes, in baskets, fences, and in rugs. For these intricate baskets from Swaziland, strands from the sisal plant are picked, dried, and tightly-coiled to create a work of art that's both beautiful and functional.

Each fiber is hand-dyed with colors from natural ingredients, then rolled back-and-forth against the weaver's leg until the perfect weaving strand is created.

At an average of 30 hours per basket, these are likely the most labor-intensive of all African baskets. Called titja in the native Swazi language, these baskets are traditionally given as gifts, often to symbolize a long and happy life.

Titja are traditionally woven by Swazi tribeswomen, many of whom depend on the sales of their handiwork for their economic livelihood.

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