Chivi Sisal Bowl

Chivi baskets from Zimbabwe feature thick, heavy coils wrapped in natural and brown sisal twine in starburst and flower patterns. These baskets are woven in the Chivi district, near the border with Mozambique. They are made from hand-spun twine made of sisal, which grows in the area and is wrapped over thick coils of grass or sometimes, in a modern twist, recycled plastic bags. This produces beautiful, thick-walled and sturdy baskets with striking patterns. The coils are quite large; some rim coils are over a half-inch thick.