Traditional Grass Peace Basket

Description

In Rwanda, Traditional Peace Baskets are often used to hold other gifts- like the one given by every bride to her new husband’s mother. These baskets are then proudly displayed in the home or used to contain dry goods such as beans or rice.

The Traditional Journey Design

Our artisan partner Pascasie told us that the basket’s traditional pattern, called umuraza, represents a path travelled together.
Imagine two friends walking together to visit another dear friend.  On their heads, they carry traditional baskets, filled with gifts from their harvest.  They journey together down the path, through the hills of Rwanda, pausing to chat, and continuing on to the home of their friend.

A gift to a mother is given discreetly, held in a beautiful basket.
It is the mother who holds the secrets of the heart.

– Rwandan Tradition

The Handcrafted Details

• An artisan weaves for about a week to complete one basket.
• Crafted from valley grasses and banana leaves, woven over a papyrus frame.
• Masterfully sized, the lid snaps on by aligning it with the base from back to front.
• Approximately 12.5 inches tall (including the lid).
• Care: Dust with a smooth, dry cloth.  Or feather duster.  Everyone loves a good feather duster!