If your home is looking a bit drab lately then you might want to consider giving your interior design a makeover. There are many cost-effective things that you can do in order to improve the look of your home. If you don’t have the budget to do some remodeling, you can simply rearrange your furniture, paint the walls a different color or buy some decoration pieces that can accent your home, such as lamps, statues, flower baskets and more. If you want to add a bit of exotic culture to your home then you might want to consider purchasing African baskets.
Whether you have been to Africa or not, African decorative baskets can really make your home look exotically glamorous. If you are not exactly sure what African baskets are and what they can do for your home, read on for some information.
There are many types of handmade African baskets that you can choose from and each one is beautiful in its own way. One of the basket types that you can choose from is the woven Swazi sisal basket, which is made in Swaziland, Africa. Basically, this basket comes form the sisal plant which is known for its durability and strength. Sisal strands are so sturdy that they are used to make a variety of things such as ropes and even fences. To create the sisal basket, the plant strands are gathered and made to undergo a drying process. Once the strands are ready, they are then woven to create the beautiful baskets. What makes the African sisal basket extremely special is also the amount of time and effort that goes into each basket. Each basket requires around 30 hours of labor, making it the most intricate of all African baskets. Each fiber of the basket is also hand-dyed. Sisal baskets are given as gifts that symbolize a long and prosperous life.
Another type of popular African basket that you may want to look for is the Zulu basket which is handcrafted in South Africa. These gorgeous baskets are made from Ilala palm fronds. The production of the Zulu baskets is the livelihood of many families in this area and it is actually a tradition that is passed down from one generation to the next. The African Zulu baskets are also known for their distinct patterns. But did you know that each pattern symbolizes something? The triangle pattern symbolizes masculinity while the diamond is a feminine symbol. Patterns like whirls, circles or checkerboards represent the coming of a new baby, bountiful crops and other good news.
There are also many shapes and sizes of African baskets that hail from northern Ghana. This region is known for its thriving handicraft industry. Since the environment in the area is generally too harsh for farming, most women prefer to weave baskets, mold pots or create leather for a living. The great thing about purchasing baskets from Africa is not just the fact that you get to own an exotic work of art, but you also get to help African families who are trying to earn a decent income.