Kasonde Women’s Club

Zambia

Year(s) attended: 2007, 2008, 2009

Tonga Baskets

The Tonga tribes of southern Zambia make distinctive baskets of Malala palm leaves, Nsamu sticks, and, among the Gwembe Valley groups, Ntende vines that grow in abundance along the banks of the Zambezi River. The Tonga create both bowls and flat baskets with natural and vegetal-dyed fibers (using tree bark stain). Such baskets have traditionally been used for winnowing grain, storage of dried foods, carrying foods on the head, and as wedding gifts.  Now the skills are passed down as much for economic as practical reasons.

The Kasonde Women’s Club was established in 1985 and is situated in the heart of the Gwembe Valley. Sales at the Folk Art Market have enabled members to pay school fees for their children and run a successful goat-rearing project.