Basket Weaving

Many of our basket makers are either widowed or abandoned by their husbands.  In EVERY case they are responsible for raising, feeding and clothing their children.  If they want them educated that responsibility rests on them as well.

Basket weaving is a skill that is passed on from generation to generation.  It takes about three days just to weave an average sized basket (approximately 8" round).  All materials that go into making them are found in the hills and valleys of Swaziland.  Likhasi (thin blades of grass) and umtiya (sisal) are cut, dried for a few days, and shredded.  The sisal is dyed from tree bark, leaves or store-bought dyes, then spun by hand into yarn.  All in, the entire process takes almost two weeks. 

We buy baskets periodically from about 120 women.  For many of them this is their only source of income.  We pay school fees for the children of many of these women and they repay us with baskets over the school year.  We never demand immediate repayment from the women whom we have assisted.  We always give them cash for some of their baskets but if they owe us, we will accept the baskets as a form of payment.  Other women need food, some a wheelbarrow, some building materials, or shoes for their kids.  We buy these things for them and they pay us with baskets as well.  During planting season we trade baskets for fertilizer, seed, and hired tractors to plow their fields.

The baskets come in a multitude of colors and patterns.  We pay them a good price for their baskets, more than local traders do because we think they're worth more.  The baskets are sent to the US where volunteers sell them for us.  The proceeds are then returned to Swaziland where we reinvest  in the development of the rural communities where these women live.

The money that is earned by basket weaving is hard-earned.  Because this is the only source of income for many it is closely guarded and carefully spent.  It is important that these women have some cash for the purchase of food and simple household items such as matches and candles. 

We are currently planning a dye vat station at the Center.  Having the dyes in one central location will save valuable time for those who have to make their own from natural sources.  The women will be able to choose from a variety of colors and design patterns that were developed by a friend in New York.  Baskets come in sizes ranging from 4" to 12" in diameter with 8" being the most common size.  Grouped together in various colors and sizes these lovely baskets make a striking collage.  They are ideal as gifts not just for their beauty but also because of the story behind them.