Sizes Vary - 9.5"-10" x 9.5"-10" x 4.5"- 5.5"

These Vintage Nigerian handmade cowrie shell & leather basket bowls are made by the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria. Cowrie shells were used as a form of currency in past centuries & in a decorative way, a symbol of wealth. 

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.

19.5” x 19.5” x 10.25”

Organically shaped and hand-woven by the masterful Eswatini artisans, the Overhang basket is artistically made of sustainable Lutindzi grass and organic vegetable dyes. These decorative baskets are also used imaginatively as cat & dog beds in western homes.

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.

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.

14” x 8”

Hand-carved from one solid piece of wood, these breathtaking Vintage bowls made by the Fulani nomadic people who are pastoralists scattered throughout West Africa - mainly Mali, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Guinea. Engraved with traditional geometric designs with beautiful signs of age and use. Many have beautiful original metal field repairs.

These were originally used for the collection of milk and storage of fresh curdled milk / cattle culture and the bowls are a symbol of cooperation between the men - herders and the women who do the milking.

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.