imbenge (basket)

Christopher Mhlongo, artist

Cultural affiliations: Zulu

imbenge (basket), 2010

Where object was made: South Africa

Material/technique: coiling; telephone wire; metal wire

Dimensions:
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 2 x 38.5 cm
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 0 13/16 x 15 3/16 in

Credit line: Gift in memory of Jo Ann Van Meter

Accession number: 2010.0190

Not on display

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Round, shallow baskets called imbenge are woven by Zulu artisans to serve as platters and covers for food and beer pots. Historically woven from the fibers of the ilala palm, current artists have started repurposing materials like brightly colored telephone wires to reinvigorate the craft. Popular as gifts and souvenirs, wire imbenge contribute to global markets and tourism industries.

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