Medium-Small - 10.5” x 6.5” x 5”

Turkana are a nomadic people from NW Kenya known for skills in woodcarving and metalwork. Frequently on the move, their household goods must be lightweight and durable. Each of these bowls are carved by hand and used for storage and transportation of food items.

There are several styles of bowl and varying colors of wood. These bowls have become quite valuable, as the wood ages, the color of the bowls take on a beautiful deep hue which adds to the aesthetic quality of the bowl. Functional objects - repair work done by original owner to prolong the life of the piece.

Please note that many of our handmade items are one of a kind, perfectly imperfect, vintage and have indigenous decorative repair work which we believe adds to the intrinsic value and beauty of the items. No two items are exactly the same.

14” x 18.5”

Rare, vintage and one of a kind, these unique decorative aprons have various purposes - some are given to a would-be wife, who then embroiders. Others are made by mothers and given to unwed daughters who have gone through initiation rites in the tribe. These beaded and embroidered pieces look stunning as wall hangings in the modern home.

The Ndebele are a colorful and fashionably dynamic South African tribe - rooted in Nguni, Zulu and Xhosa tribes. The beautiful and brightly colored geometric shapes are quintessential examples of the Ndebele peoples’ designs, echoed in the decorative patterns painted on the exterior walls of their homes.

Medium - 16”

Vintage Makenge baskets from Zambia are rare works of functional art. These are working baskets used in daily life for storage, winnowing and holding water. These unique baskets are an incredible testament to the traditional weaving skills of the Mbundu and Losi women of the remote Western Provence of Zambia. Every basket is handmade, thus one of a kind. These baskets are traditionally handed down to new brides as a treasured wedding gift and each basket can take up to two weeks to create. Makenges hold much value and as they begin to require patching, they are done so with great artistry. Each Vintage Makenge is truly a time tested work of art.

Please note that many of our handmade items are one of a kind, perfectly imperfect, vintage and have indigenous decorative repair work which we believe adds to the intrinsic value and beauty of the items. No two items are exactly the same.

21”-25”

The BaTonga of Zimbabwe and Southern Zambia are famous for their basket weaving skills as well as their geometric designs. The ilala palm is woven into a characteristic square to begin and then radiates outwards to create dramatic patterns that are classic yet modern. The palm fibres are dyed with tree bark, and the baskets are finished with a distinctive herringbone pattern rim.

A basket takes roughly two weeks to complete, and these winnowing baskets are used to separate grain from the chaff, or other debris from the stored grain. In an area prone to drought and poverty, Tonga women are the entrepreneurs of their villages, bringing much-needed additional income to their families.

Please note that many of our handmade items are one of a kind, perfectly imperfect, vintage and have indigenous repair work which we believe adds to the intrinsic value and beauty of the items. No two items are exactly the same. As a result, our website photos are a close representation of the items available, but may not be identical to the ones you receive. If you prefer to select an exact item, please notify us at info@thewanderlane.com and we will send photos of what we have in stock.