The baskets are handmade. The raw materials are harvested in the wild. We then use the "Mwiyi" tree bark and the "Musiizya" tree leaves to dye the ilala palm leaves to a desired color. On average, once work commences it takes up to 7 (seven) days to complete. For easy weaving the ilala palm leaves ought to be a little damp. As soon as the work is done, the artifact is ready for use.
All are women who start and finishes their own work individually. I am the head artist representing 72 artists from my small town of Hwange, in Zimbabwe. Most of the artists are novices still under my tutorship but are however making great improvements.The baskets differ in sizes and style of weaving employed. The size of the basket determine the price.
The community is predominantly a Tonga and Nambya one. The art shows the cultural intergration that exist between these two tribes. This is evidenced by the common designs existing between them showing that there has been cultural exchange between the two overtime. The artwork are used for gathering eggs, grain, fruits and vegetables. They are also given as wedding gifts. More importantly the artifacts are versatile and can be so used in different ways. Evah Mudenda
