TRANSITIONAL ITINERARY OF VERNACULAR BASKETRY IN EAST AFRICA

Basketry is the oldest and most varied plant-based
crafts found around the world. The skill required in the production of
these objects is often associated with factors such as people’s
perceptions of the environment, conceptions of the self and means of
economic interaction, social hierarchy, and division of labour
(Novellino, Ertu, 2019).
The sisal baskets produced in the Taita Taveta County of Kenya are
regarded by many as regional treasures, a cultural expression and an
economic enterprise. These unique baskets are produced according to
the traditional art by local women who have passed down the skill
from generation to generation. Apart from sisal, there are various
trends in basketry coming up in East Africa. Not only do designers use
the original design, they have also come up with their own ‘signature’
look in basketry.