ETHIOPIAN HARARI BASKET / Single Coil Reed & Grass / Antique Pot Lid / Very Rare

Harari is a region in eastern Ethiopia where basket weaving is a major aspect of women’s life. Every young bride is expected to bring 15 woven baskets with her into the marriage as part of her dowry. In the wealthiest families, 4 black clay pots called "Aflala" are placed on a stone shelf, carved into the wall. Valuable goods are stored in them such as gold, medicine, coins and coffee beans and each is capped with a woven lid called an Ufi (see last photo). This antique Ufi has an intricate pattern of diamonds and zigzags in various colors of reeds and grasses. It is hollow throughout with a fluted opening and is 9.5 inches tall by 4 inches wide. The basket is in very good condition for its age with just a little wear at the bottom rim. Be sure to make an offer on this or one of my other listings for many unique and hard to find items - Crystal and Glassware, Fine Artwork, Rare DVDs, Art Glass, Asian Rarities, Celebrity Autographs, Fine Porcelain, Quality Jewelry, Hollywood Memorabilia and many more hard to find items.