Hausa Woven Rush Basket with Lid, Circa 1910
Hausa Woven Rush Basket with Lid, Circa 1910
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A beautifully made Hausa woven rush basket and cover from Nigeria, dating to circa 1910. With its graceful form, close, even weave, and fitted lid, this is a handsome example of traditional West African basketry-an object made for everyday use, yet possessing a striking sculptural and decorative presence.
The basket is woven from natural rush or grass fibres, skilfully worked into a durable, tactile vessel. Its restrained palette and subtle patterning give it a quiet elegance, while the lidded form suggests its original use for the storage and protection of household goods, foodstuffs, or personal possessions. Such baskets were valued not only for their practical role but also for the expertise involved in their construction, with the weaving itself reflecting regional traditions passed through generations.
The softened colours add to its appeal, giving the basket a gentle, timeworn appearance that speaks to its age and use. It remains in lovely condition overall, with some expected fading to the exterior colouring. This does not detract from the quality of the weaving or its decorative effect, but instead lends the piece an authentic and appealing patina.
An evocative example of early 20th-century Hausa craftsmanship, this basket would make a thoughtful addition to a collection of African tribal art, ethnographic objects, or antique textiles and baskets. It would also display beautifully in a natural, modern, or eclectic interior, where its warmth, texture, and hand-made character can be fully appreciated.
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