Notes

Baskets have played a significant role in Zulu culture, serving as functional containers for everyday use. Traditionally, these baskets were adorned with simple designs or left unadorned. However, contemporary weavers like Beauty Nxgongo have elevated the craft to a fine art form. Through intricate designs and vibrant color schemes, Nxgongo blurs the line between utilitarian craft and artistic expression. Nxgongo's work has gained recognition in South African museums, including the acclaimed South African National Gallery. In Zulu culture, baskets were traditionally used for food and beer storage. The shape and size of this basket suggest that it may have been based on isichumo prototypes, which were specifically designed for beer containers. The tight weave and narrow opening with a lid make the basket virtually waterproof, minimizing spillage. The coil method, using hardy grasses as a core and ilala palm strips as binders, is employed in creating izichumo baskets like this one. It is worth noting that the responsibility of basket weaving has shifted to women in contemporary Zulu society, while artists like Nxgongo challenge and expand the boundaries of this rich tradition.