The Makenge

The White Washed Makenge Basket is a contemporary take on a vintage Makenge Basket, handwoven by the Mbundu and Losi women of Western Zambia. Crafted from durable makenge roots, each piece is painted with natural white dyes, creating a semi-opaque finish that allows the original woven patterns to subtly show through.

Traditionally used for winnowing grain, storage, and carrying water, these baskets are deeply tied to cultural heritage and are often gifted to brides as treasured heirlooms.

Every basket is handmade and one of a kind, with slight variations in size, tone, and pattern. Whether displayed on the wall, styled on a table, or used as a functional vessel, these pieces bring history, authenticity, and understated elegance to modern interiors.