Nigerian Hausa Tribe Basket 18inch Cowrie Shells and Leather

This large, beautiful footed round basket was crafted by the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria. The traditional handwoven coiled basket, known to the Hausa as a Kwando, is composed of natural local fibers and palm leaves and features intricate geometric patterns dyed with natural pigments. The art of basket weaving is part of the Hausa culture, passed down for generation. Both men and women make the baskets for gathering, storing grain, and transporting food, as well as selling them to support their families. 
 
This vintage basket bowl is so finely and expertly made that it is truly a work of art. Four leather loops--north, south, east and west--are fastened on the underside with clusters of three cowrie shells each. The upper rim and the foot rim are reinforced with sewn-on leather strips, which have protected them from damage. The basket measures 18 inches across, 4 inches in height and weighs 1.5 pounds. The footring measures 9.5 inches across.

Made in the 1940's-50's, the basket shows signs of use but is in very good condition, with scattered small areas that reveal the bundles of fibers and some fading but no breaks, holes, missing leather or missing shells. As you can see from our photos, it displays handsomely, whether hung on the wall or decorating a table. It's large enough and impressive enough to make a table centerpiece.

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