When you buy a Zienzele basket, every cent goes to pay school fees for orphans in Zimbabwe. Also, you are helping to preserve a traditonal African craft that might otherwise die out. Finally – and this is hugely important – you are encouraging women and the orphans in their care to believe in themselves, to believe that through their own efforts, they can achieve a better life.

Zienzele baskets are made by over 28 groups of women. They are created using fibers from the sisal plant. The fibers are twined and wrapped around a core of sweet grass. Most colors in the baskets are created by boiling the fibers with various tree barks or flower blossoms, or in a few cases, by using the plastic string from fruit bags. The dark blue colors are created by boiling the fibers with carbon paper!

The baskets are generally bowl-shaped, but there are also canister-style baskets called “chidudus” that come with covers. All are hand-made, all represent hours of labor, and no two are alike.  The photos below give a good idea of the appearance – and also the variety – of the Zienzele baskets. These baskets are all original expressions of their makers’ taste and creativity, so they cannot be ordered in pre-set patterns or color schemes. Prices are determined simply by approximate size. Please specify the size/price you wish, and whether you prefer a bowl-shaped basket or a chidudu.