5.5" Telephone Wire Basket #089

This basket, woven from plastic-coated electrical wire in South Africa, is a true masterpiece. Zulu men make these tightly-woven baskets by starting at the rim and weaving to the middle, using a mold to help create the perfect shape. They use traditional Zulu Ilala palm-weaving designs.

Originally, weavers used recycled telephone wire, but they now use custom manufactured, lead-free wire made in South Africa. The wire baskets are very functional, as they can be washed in warm soapy water.