Coiled Basketry Vessels — Lidded Zulu Ukhamba, Checkered Tray & Polychrome Bowl

A grouping of three coiled basketry pieces drawn from distinct weaving traditions, presented together as a single lot. The standout is a tall, lidded vessel in the form of a Zulu ukhamba — a tightly coiled ilala palm beer basket from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, built in a swelling teardrop profile with a fitted conical lid and small woven finial. The body carries a bold stepped-diamond and cross motif in black and brown against a natural straw ground, achieved with vegetal-dyed fibers worked through the coil count rather than applied as surface decoration. Tight stitch density and the watertight construction associated with the form are evident throughout.

CONDITION

Fair overall across the group with no structural damage noted. The tall lidded basket has a tacky residue to the surface from prior kitchen storage and would benefit from gentle cleaning. The tray and smaller bowl present cleanly with age-consistent fiber tone and intact coils. Lid fits the tall basket as intended.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Lidded Basket: 12" H × 9" Diameter
• Polychrome Bowl: 6" H × 10" Diameter
• Checkered Tray: 2.5" H × 14.5" Diameter
• Construction: Hand-coiled vegetal fiber
• Lot Count: 3 baskets
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale — Not Included