Wickerwork

Introduction

Basketry or wickerwork is the art of producing woven objects by means of flexible plant materials. It has been in practice from ancient times and is widespread throughout the world. However, as the objects were made in biodegradable materials, antiques have disappeared without trace. In rate places like Fayum in Upper Egypt and the Middle East, basketry objects have been preserved. Radiocarbon dating places the oldest back to more than 10,000 years and 7000 BC in the Middle East.

Due to poor conservation conditions in Rwanda, there are currently no traces of ancient basketry. It is therefore impossible to determine when the art was first practiced in this country without such an important proof. Nevertheless, the existing variety and weaving technology can lead to an assumption that this art dated back to a relatively old period, in addition to being the most remarkable artistic production in ancient Rwanda. With a rich geometric decor, the basket was designed to serve various purposes and played and important socio-economic role. Currently, there are two types of basketry: decorative basketry which is mainly produced by women and utility basketry consisting of household utensils which is produced by both men and women. As for the utility basketry which is nowadays made by both men and women, early basketry was a household activity that was reserved for women and girls and consisted of mats, baskets and simple winnowing. However, activities such as the construction of huts, food granaries and fences were left to men. This included the construction of other heavy and large utility objects, like baskets made of bamboo, reed, cane stalks or other flexible vines that required more energy for twisting them.------------------------------------------------------ < Back to TITLES >