TRIO OF TUTSI BASKETS
RWANDA, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Estimate: £800 - £1,200
Auction: 13 March 2025 from 13:00 GMT
Description
woven grass, of varying sizes, each with lids evoking an architectural form, all with diverse black geometric designs across the body (3)
Dimensions
largest 19cm high
Provenance
Clive Loveless, London, United Kingdom
Patrick Mestdagh Art, Brussels, Belgium
Footnote
Traditional Tutsi miniature baskets, known for their exquisite craftsmanship, embody both artistic refinement and cultural significance. These finely woven baskets, often featuring intricate geometric patterns in black and natural gold hues, reflect the striking conical roofs of traditional Tutsi houses. Their delicate construction required exacting skill, with women of the Tutsi elite using locally sourced fibres and natural black pigments to create visually dynamic compositions. Unlike larger utilitarian baskets used for storage, these miniatures served as prestigious gifts, safeguarding precious items like amulets, beads, or the master of the house’s pipe.