Makenge Basket #186 Lost-wax casting 20 beads per strand

20 beads per strand

48 beads per strand

Approximately 42

Once assembled the cloth was expertly tied to form a resist against the natural indigo dye

Makenge Basket #186 Lost-wax casting 20 beads per strandThe Makenge tree grows only a few yards high and sends out long shallow root. These fine root hairs are dug out by the men of the tribe and are skinned to remove the thin covering. The roots are carefully harvested to ensure the health of the indigenous tree ensuring that basket making materials will be available for generations to come. The roots are boiled and sometimes dyed with natural pigments. When they are dry, the women weave the baskets. The