Big Basket Time - Red & Black Decoration

I don’t believe I’ve shown this one yet. 14” across, around 8-9” high. If I had to guess I’d go with older African but I’ll reserve hope it might be NA interesting leather disc in center bottom. Nicely decorated and in reasonable condition. ID help is appreciated.

 

African , imo.... & NA , don't weave with leather

 

Looks like camel.

Debora

 

Probably a grain basket made by a Hausa weaver in Nigeria.

Here is an example in the British Museum that shows similar colors and pattern, combining grass bundle coils stitched with raffia and leather trim -


Description
Register 1955:
Composite container, of a basket with lid, coil sewn in pink black and natural, with leather rim, base, closing and carrying straps.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1955-05-270

Yours may not have had a separate lid. Simple open bowl forms are common.

 

As in, made for a camel...or?
I'm confused, Debora.

 

I'm guessing Debora's referring to the leather disc in the baskets base (maybe ?).

 

Yes, she means camel leather.

 

Of course. Thanks, folks...

 

An interesting little article about Hausa grain baskets -

https://vocal.media/history/hausa-grain-baskets-of-nigeria

 

Ahh...the endless ripples of hatred-conflict.
How deeply sad.

 

Thanks for the ID help 2many! Any guess as to age?

The article you linked is interesting. Seems like it’s not a definitive correlation but a likely one. The strife we cause one another is mind boggling.

 

The one in the British Museum was dated c.1906. Most of the more recent ones I have seen include a green dye in the design, and don't have the leather details. As a guess, I'd say yours might be first half of the 20th century, possibly earlier.

 

Not an authority, but as someone who sees these baskets here and there, I concur w/ 2mb.

 

Thanks. That was my thought too. Based on patina and a much less educated guess.

Edit: Also the whole collection was pretty old.