This beautifully intricate Isichumo Zulu lidded basket was made by the most renowned master basket weaver of contemporary times - Beauty Ngxongo from Kwa-Zulu-Natal in South Africa. Beauty's work is collected by the Smithsonian Institution, as well as at the Met in NY, The Fowler at UCLA, major South African museums, and other world renowned museums. This traditional Zulu Isichumo Lidded Basket is made from natural dyed organic plant fibers which are woven into an elegant creation that is both utilitarian, but also exemplifies her artisanship. Virtually watertight, this basket's narrative grows from it's original usage to store food and beer.

Master weaver Beauty Nxongo has become a world-renowned artist known for her feminine, delicate basket weaving techniques. Residing in rural Umkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal, she continues to hone her skill. Zulu basketry had declined, but found a resurgence in the 1960s. Revived by an artist known as Laurentia Dlamani, Beauty was eventually taken under her wing in the 1980s. Since then, Beauty has perfected her basket weaving prowess, and has been featured in publications and museums all over the world. She has received the South African National Best Artist Award. Each of her pieces feature hand harvested and dyed grasses, a piece of her soul, and wonderful artistic integrity.

11" High, 18" Diameter