Bowls & Baskets

Red and Orange Telephone Wire Basket
Limited Edition

Red and Orange Telephone Wire Basket
Limited Edition

Hand made by Wire Weavers, a group of Zulu weavers using remnants of insulated (plastic coated) copper telephone wire which is purchased from a factory in Pretoria, South Africa. Each basket is a work of art. Standing alone they are a visual delight while a group of several creates a dramatic accent on a table, wall or display case, matching well with any decor.

We try to keep a supply of both color and black and white bowls in stock but, because shipments can be few and far between, we never know what we might have at any given time. We carry some designs which closely resemble one another and are made in limited editions. We also carry one-of-a-kind patterns. If we are out of stock on one that you want, be sure to sign up for our newsletter so that you'll know when we get a new shipment.

Clean your imbenge telephone wire basket by washing it in cool, soapy water. Keep out of dishwashers and away from sun and heat.

Artist Bio
The wire remnants are purchased by Deirdre Moser, the coordinator who has been working with the Wire Weavers, a group of mostly women weavers, who have lived in the rural area of KZN (KwaZuluNatal) South Africa since 1989. Moser markets the baskets to stores in South Africa and throughout the world. This is the main source of income for about 120 people.

The Zulu people believe that imbenge lend dignity to a home. Sets of imbenge and beer pots are traditionally given by a bride to her in-laws during her marriage ceremony.