Hypnotizing Ilala Baskets

Angelina Boniswe Masuku’s ilala palm baskets are almost hypnotic, done in delightfully neutral shades of brown, black, and ivory. Born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Masuku decorates each basket with traditional geometric Zulu designs. Whether used for utilitarian purposes like storage or as a focal decor point, these baskets are sure to enamor anyone who encounters them.

Ilala palms are dyed using the roots, leaves, and berries of indigenous flora. Black and dark brown dyes are derived from the isizimane root, purple comes from umdoni. Masuku is adamant about only using local materials, thus being able to say her baskets are truly traditional, “Living in a rural area, traditional crafts are important because they remind us where we come from, who we are.”

Angelina Boniswe Masuku was taught to weave at the age of eight by her late auntie Khawulina Gcwensa, a master weaver in her own right. Today, Masuku passes this knowledge along to her daughter and the eight other women who she works with to create baskets. She is a strong proponent of teaching women how to weave so they can find economic and emotional freedom.