Lidded Basket
Not on view
The distinctive lidded receptacles produced by highly skilled aristocratic Tutsi women rank among the most refined forms of basketry. Great skill was directed toward weaving such miniature marvels in which fine coil sewing and exacting spiral patterns required exacting calculations and stitching. The natural pale gold of these delicate grass structures was enhanced with restrained graphic patterns in a black dye derived from boiling banana flowers.