Naturally dyed all-sisal basket.
Details: Sisal hemp is produced from drying the fiber within leaves of the succulent agave sisalana grown in arid regions. These soft, flexible baskets have been woven for generations by village women in Kenya. Each region has their own slightly unique style that give their baskets distinctiveness. The artisans traditionally form the shape of these baskets with a slight point at the very center of the base. To carry them easily on their heads, the Kamba people poke that point to the inside of the basket, to make it concave. Likewise, if you want an even base to support your basket on a flat surface, push in on the center bottom. Traditionally, these baskets are used to carry produce from the garden, books to school or items bought in the market. We use them as sturdy totes, purses and storage containers in our homes.
Care: Before applying leather handles, baskets have been washed in a home washing machine. If you purchase a basket with handles, carefully spot clean with a minimally wet soft brush to avoid water damage to the leather. Baskets without handles may get wet and can be washed with mild soap. Reshape to air dry. To store your basket flat, the base should be pushed toward the outside, folded in half side to side so the basket has a bowl shape when lying on its side. Large baskets may be folded in half lengthwise a second time. To reshape after storage, spritz with water to dampen the sides (being careful not to wet the leather handles), stuff with a pillow or cloth and allow to air dry.
