For generations, in the Gwembe Valley of the Southern Province of Zambia, local Tonga artisans have been fashioning baskets for winnowing, storage and the transporting of goods on the head.

Baskets are woven entirely by hand – the only tool used being a blade to cut the vines, palm leaves and twigs from which the baskets are made. These materials are then dyed with natural dyes derived from the bark of the Mungie, as well as dark mud.

Though Tonga baskets have traditionally been crafted for personal household use, more and more, their sale has supported the purchase of cattle, goats and ploughs.

Members of the Makambo Women’s Club are now able to send their children to the local community school because of the revenue they earn from basket sales.