Mkeka Palm Basket - Large
An easy to carry, light weight and durable large basket made from dried palm leaves. This basket is an everyday must have, with the sturdy leather handles making it easy to carry around.
A great sized basket to keep in your car boot, ready to grab when you are out and about doing daily errands. You can also use it at home to store toys, blankets and laundry or take it away with you on a weekend trip to the countryside or beach.
Utilising the power of handicrafts and the age-old traditions of basket weaving, our artisan partner Hadithi Crafts has enabled rural women to find an alternative and sustainable way to make a living.
Dried palm leaves are platted into strips which are then coiled and sewn together to create these light but strong baskets showcasing unique weaving techniques and patterns. The handles are made using goats leather from a local tannery.
Our baskets are hand woven by a women's collective based in a wildlife sanctuary in the Tsavo region of Kenya. Every basket provides an essential livelihood to rural artisans and their community which has historically been reliant on farming - a practice that has become more unreliable due to the scarcity of rain in this semi-arid area.
Note: The last photo shows our three types of Mkeka Baskets and gives an approximate indication of scale.
Made in Kenya by Hadithi Crafts
Material: Dried palm leaves and goat leather handles
Size:56cm top width | 33cm base diameter | 35cm height (48cm with handles)
Top width is measured at the widest part of the basket
Care: Spot clean and keep away from direct sunlight to protect the natural material and prevent fading. Store in a dry and damp proof environment.
Please also note:
- Should your basket come into contact with water, let it dry thoroughly and re-shape if required.
- Dried palm leaves and sisal are natural materials and if left damp for too long, will develop mould.
- If you plan to use your basket as a planter, then lining it with something waterproof on the inside is advisable to prevent the natural material from rotting and dyes from running.
Handmade
As with all handmade items, slight variations in shape, design and colour may occur, making each product one of a kind.
Details about each product
Along with every purchase we provide an information card with full details of the origin, artisans and care information, so that you can trace the item right back to its maker.