The Red and Black Triangle Pattern Basket, traditionally known as an Oops bowl, is a type of sweetgrass basketry made by the Zulu culture of southeastern Africa. Although properly woven Oops bowls may be water-tight, they are typically used for holding foods such as nuts, sweets, or potato chips.

Young Zulu children are taught to make these baskets in order to carry on the tradition of Zulu basket weaving. The pattern on this basket reveals that the weaver was a Zulu boy, as the triangle motif signifies masculinity. Researched by Jonathan Kodner

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