1970s Flight of the Swallow Pattern Botswana Basket - 8.75" Diam X 3.5" H

Botswana baskets are proof of one of the most successful refugee integration stories in southern Africa.

African baskets were originally designed for utilitarian purposes – simply decorated and used to store or carry food. By the 1960s, weaving was becoming a dying art – but in the 1970s, it made a comeback as a commercial venture. Resettlement officers saw weaving as an income generator for Hambukushu refugees; a people who came from Angola into Botswana fleeing Portuguese attacks during Angola’s war of independence.

Botswana baskets are considered some of the finest examples of weaving in Africa. One will notice outstanding workmanship and unique designs – some of which include representations of animals or of nature. This piece was purchased on location during the 1970s and has natural buff tones along with intricate pattern designs in aqua blue representing a “flight of the swallow” pattern which symbolizes the gift of rain being that these birds fly in a triangular pattern shortly before the storm begins.   

Basket making is a slow process with each taking about a month to complete. These baskets are constructed using the Mokolwane Palm which are cut and boiled in natural earth-tone coloring which makes it a great addition to any style of décor from California Casual, Organic-Inspired... to Boho or Coastal Modern Design. 

Place of Origin: Botswana

Date of Manufacture: 1970s

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 8.75 in. Diam. X 3.5 in. H

Reference: 

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 

Botswana Development Corporation

Rocky Mountain Collegian, Colorado State University 

Tortoise Knees and Giraffe Tears: Patterns, Production, and Resistance in a Women's Basketry Cooperative in Botswana by Rebecca Upton

Explore more African Baskets at Our Taste Design.