Woven Tongan Basket, 19th Century
- TitleWoven Tongan Basket 19th Century
- ArtistUnknown
- LocationTonga
- PricePrice on Request
Antique woven baskets from Tonga are cherished artifacts that reflect the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of the Tongan people. It is considered by some as the best forms of fibre craftmanship in the Pacific.
This example has many of the similar characteristics to the baskets collected on Cook’s voyages, where the coils were formed by a creeper wrapped around coconut leaflet midribs. Basketry that was made for trade or sale typically had a much simpler weaving technique.
The weaving process was a communal activity, predominantly undertaken by women, and the techniques were passed down through generations.
The baskets are sometimes colored black, to enhance their aesthetic appeal. To acheive this the fibres are dyed from the juice of trees, either loa’ano or manaui to create the blackened appearance.
The coiling technique involves wrapping and sewing materials in a circular pattern, creating a very stiff, sturdy and functional basket. In Tongan culture, these baskets have been used for various purposes, including carrying goods, storage, and as ceremonial items.
Antique Tongan baskets are valued by collectors and cultural enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and cultural significance.
This basket is exceptionally rare and is also in exceptional condition. It is heavily encrusted from extensive use.
Provenance: Wayne Heathcote
Ned and Mina Smith Collection 2nd February 2002
Condition; excellent
Antique woven baskets from Tonga are cherished artifacts that reflect the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of the Tongan people. It is considered by some as the best forms of fibre craftmanship in the Pacific.
This example has many of the similar characteristics to the baskets collected on Cook’s voyages, where the coils were formed by a creeper wrapped around coconut leaflet midribs. Basketry that was made for trade or sale typically had a much simpler weaving technique.
The weaving process was a communal activity, predominantly undertaken by women, and the techniques were passed down through generations.
The baskets are sometimes colored black, to enhance their aesthetic appeal. To acheive this the fibres are dyed from the juice of trees, either loa’ano or manaui to create the blackened appearance.
The coiling technique involves wrapping and sewing materials in a circular pattern, creating a very stiff, sturdy and functional basket. In Tongan culture, these baskets have been used for various purposes, including carrying goods, storage, and as ceremonial items.
Antique Tongan baskets are valued by collectors and cultural enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and cultural significance.
This basket is exceptionally rare and is also in exceptional condition. It is heavily encrusted from extensive use.
Provenance: Wayne Heathcote
Ned and Mina Smith Collection 2nd February 2002
Condition; excellent
