Established in 2006 by Julia Mutale and located in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, Hipego’s mission is the promotion and preservation of Zambian handicrafts, including basketry. Makenge tree root baskets are unique to the Lozi/Mbunda tribes of Western Zambia. Gwembe, Plateau and Cizongo baskets are made by the Tonga people of Southern Zambia.

Makenge tree root baskets are made using either the coil weave or flat weave techniques. Gwembe baskets, made from malala palm leaves interwoven with twigs and vines, are flat-based and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Plateau baskets are light weight with patterns produced by exposing twigs that are woven with palm leaves. Cizongo baskets are made of the same materials as the Plateau but differ in that larger portions of the twigs are left exposed. Traditionally, Zambian baskets were marriage gifts. To this day, households use the baskets for winnowing, transporting and storing grain.

Upon graduation from high school, Julia Mutale, a member of the Tonga tribe, was selected to attend the University of Zambia, earning a degree in development studies and economics. But her passion for arts and crafts led her to work with Save the Children, the European Union and USAID in carrying out rural development projects in crafts development, as well as education, sanitation and infrastructure.