Ceremonial Basket

Patricia Kayobera’s striking decorated, covered reed baskets are inspired by traditional plait work designs in the Tutsi ethnic culture of Rwanda.  However, she has modified these basket ideas, especially in terms of size and height, for Massachusetts markets.  In Rwanda, these conical-shaped baskets (Agaseke baskets in the Kirundi language) are often used to carry fruit, other foods, and gifts in ceremonial processions during communal rituals. Offering some fruit in such a highly-crafted container adds importance and emotional weight to the gift for families celebrating an event such as a wedding.  Patricia decorates her baskets with line designs added in colors such as rust red, deep purple or black-brown that contrast with the tan of the willow reed background. These designs give a sense of movement across the plaited field. Patricia is open to variations; sometimes she weaves with plastic strips that she gets by unraveling big rice sacks from African traditional markets or specialty markets in Worcester. Sometimes she will take special orders from Worcester families who want tiny baskets to be used as party favors in family celebrations. She is also open to different colors for the baskets’ decorations; for instance, one time she used reeds dyed turquoise, at a local family’s request. 

What makes for a pleasant-looking basket for RAW sale, according to the weaver? Patricia says: the traditional shape; tightly plaited decorative designs;  a certain presence to the artwork, as when the basket is held by a walker in a ritual procession.  Patricia also makes simpler, uncovered, less heavily decorated oval bowls, for holding fruits and other objects.