Tonga or Batonga People, ‘Winnowing Basket’

'Winnowing Basket', Tonga or Batonga People
Woven natural fibres and wood
Binga District, Matabeleland, Zimbabwee
Late 20th Century.

Provenance:-
Collected by an Oxford academic directly from the weaver in Zimbabwe.

Measures:-
39.5 cm in diameter x 5 cm high

A traditional style of African basket, woven by Batonga women of the Binga District of Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. Of good size, originally used for the winnowing grains (drying and separating of grass seeds). The weavers are highly skilled and a 16" inch diameter basket takes around 3 days to complete. These are frequently hung on walls for ease of storage and, as such, make very attractive decorations.