About Carol Antrim Expertise I can answer most questions about basketry techniques, and how to or where to find instructions/instructors. Also most questions about the materials used in basketry, either preparation and/or sources. I cannot answer questions regarding value or appraisal of baskets. Nor can I address questions about locating cheap wholesale baskets for gift basket businesses, or how to fill such baskets or conduct such businesses.
Experience I have been weaving baskets since 1986. Studied with Native American basket makers from several Woodland tribes as well as with teachers from coast to coast and Canada,Japan and Russia. Have taught basketry in Indiana, Ohio, New York, Montana, Michigan and Tennessee. Had acceptances in shows and won awards in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, including purchase awards to the permanent collection at Minnetrista Cultural Center. Twice had baskets at the Indiana Governor's residence in the Indiana Arts and Artist Program, and was in 'Innovation--Baskets and Beyond' an invitational at The Firehouse Gallery in Damariscotta, Maine in 1999. My work can be viewed at http://cantrimbaskets.com/
Organizations Member of the Virtual Basketmakers Guild http://home.sprynet.com/~cpantrim/
and the Indiana Basketmakers Association http://www.indianabasketmakers.com/
Expert: Carol Antrim Date: 3/13/2001 Subject: BASKETS IN KENYA
Question In Kenya, people used to go fruit and vegetable shopping with their own baskets. I would like to know what materials make these baskets (and maybe where I can find such baskets).
Thank you in advance.
Answer Hi Kinyanjui,
I'm afraid my knowledge of African basketry is limited to what little I have read. I have seen coiled or twined African Baskets in shops here in the US but have only seen pictures in books of their plaited baskets. I have never known or chatted via internet with any basketmakers in Africa so have no first hand knowledge of the materials used but what little I have been able to find to read has listed palms, sisal, and grasses as the predominant fibers. The basket most often referenced for shopping in Kenya is called a *kiondo*…it is often sold as a handbag today. It's usually made of sisal. Sisal is also one of Kenya's largest export products.
I did find some websites that sell African Baskets from Kenya, I think you could contact any of them and get much useful information as well as order baskets from them. Many are located in Kenya or run by people in the US or the UK who go to Africa to purchase what they are selling.
http://www.ntclimited.com/
Naushad Trading Company, Mombasa, Kenya, say their baskets are made from raffia, which is a type of palm. Looks to me like it is done on some kind of rod, most likely any wood the basketmaker had handy...and like here in the US, would vary from location to location.
http://www.designafrica.com/fibre.htm
At this site there is information on how adaptations of traditional work are providing jobs for Africans, and an email link for more information.
