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Art History Virtual Exhibition

After Conservation Small Leather and Raffia Fiber Basket with Lid Maasai culture 20th century Leather and raffia fiber, L. 24 cm x W. 15.5 cm x H. 10 cm BFPC collection #2019.17

Maasai Leather Basket: Researched and Conserved by Sarah Teel

September, 2020 by Sarah Teel

Before Conservation
Small Leather and Raffia Fiber Basket with Lid
Maasai culture
20th century
Leather and raffia fiber, L. 24 cm x W. 15.5 cm x H. 10 cm
BFPC collection #2019.17

 

After Conservation
Small Leather and Raffia Fiber Basket with Lid
Maasai culture
20th century
Leather and raffia fiber, L. 24 cm x W. 15.5 cm x H. 10 cm
BFPC collection #2019.17

The Maasai people are a nomadic culture in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya; they are livestock herders who rely heavily on cattle both for food and for products such as leather. Basketry is a tradition practiced throughout Africa, and it is likewise practiced by the Maasai. Baskets are used for many purposes, including winnowing and measuring grain and storing and serving food and drink; a basket can be made water-tight by burning certain plants inside of the basket to create a sealant.

Baskets may also be used to hold money, jewelry, or ritual objects, and these types of containers usually have lids to keep the objects secure.  As with this lidded basket, leather is sometimes sewn onto the walls of the basket in order to provide extra strength and to ensure longevity. Among the many cultures of Africa that practice basketry, the Maasai are especially well-known for their leather-covered baskets, and this container is a fine example of their artistry.

 

 

For more information, you may contact the researcher(s) noted in the title of this exhibit entry, or Dr. Billie Follensbee, the professor of the course, at BillieFollensbee@MissouriState.edu

Filed Under: 2019 Fall, ART/MST 488: Basic Conservation of Art and Artifacts Tagged With: 20th century, africa, basketry, conservation, leather, maasai culture, raffia fiber

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Categories

  • 2016 Spring, ART 386: Art of Africa
  • 2017 Fall, ART/MST 488: Basic Conservation of Art and Artifacts
  • 2017 Spring, ART 485: Art of Mesoamerica
  • 2018 Spring, ART 386: Art of Africa
  • 2019 Fall, ART/MST 488: Basic Conservation of Art and Artifacts
  • 2019 Spring, ART 485: Art of Mesoamerica
  • 2020 Spring, ART 386: Art of Africa

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