Evah Mudenda

Ilala Palm Baskets

Evah Mudenda’s hypnotizing Nambya baskets are handmade from ilala palm leaves that are dyed with "Mwiyi" tree bark and "Musiizya" tree leaves. The designs found in each basket are a blend of old and new, “Although most of the designs have always been there as they have been passed down from eons ago to the present generation, we have begun to introduce some of our personal designs to fit the changing times.” Older designs date back to the 9th to 15th century, when Great Zimbabwe served as one of the finest settlements a part of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. These baskets can be used for utilitarian or decorative purposes. Traditionally they are given as wedding gifts, due to their fine beauty and practical uses.

Since 1996 Mudenda has perfected Nambya basket weaving techniques. Today her daughter Takamudaishe Ngwenya and young sister, Irene Mudenda join her in basket making and Mudenda represents over 70 artists from her town of Hwange, in northwestern Zimbabwe.