Basket Making 2

Clarissa, 23 years old, has been making baskets for 3 years. She went to an association to learn this traditional skill. Many times they will learn from a family member or older woman in the community. The basket she is making will take 4 days working about 3 hours a day. She charges $8 for the basket.

Now after all the supplies are ready and colored it is time to begin at the center. With a needle the fibers are sewn into a small spiral for the center.

Thick ends of the grass called Ishinge are pushed into the coiled fiber. Threads made from the fibers are then sewn around and around the grasses to make each coil. The coils are sewn together on top of each other.

When the grass bundles start to get thin she adds another bundle to the coil. The fibers she has colored bring the basket to life.

Dave and I visited this community driving on rutted back roads. They were so gracious to demonstrate basket making for us. When I asked to purchase the unfinished basket I received many chuckles. But I explained it is one way to share the technique with others in the US.

What is difficult is seeing how much time goes into making a basket and how little they receive in payment. A small basket takes 2 days to make and sells for $3.00, a medium size basket takes 4-5 days and and costs $7.00 and a larger wedding basket takes 2 weeks and costs $18.00. And some
more detailed designs with finer fibers take much longer.

I was thrilled to have this opportunity to be welcomed to the artists homes and meet their families and share our stories. That's what has been so special in Rwanda. Building relationships.