Vintage Baskets

The selection of vintage baskets on our Woven Legacies: Innovation & Tradition is from the collection of Dr Elizabeth Terry, a social scientist with a special interest in craft development. This is a landmark moment marking the first time a collection of this nature has come to market. The baskets, from Southern and Central Africa, exemplify how objects once intended for utilitarian purposes – such as storing food, sifting grain, and carrying goods – evolve beyond their original functions to become cultural artefacts and works of art. Combining traditional techniques, indigenous materials and individual expression, they reflect the evolving nature of culture. These baskets, made by local women from specific regions, often working together and passing along ways of working highlight how craft can connect us to each other and our heritage. Paying particular attention to the correct naming of plants, materials, and processes, the collection preserves historical and regional traditions. This rigorous documentation process allows the makers to maintain the baskets’ value and their connection to place and time. Collector Focus Dr Elizabeth Terry is a social scientist with a special interest in craft development. She obtained her PhD in human geography in 1999 from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. Her thesis topic was the economic, financial, social and cultural significance of Botswana’s craft industry compared to other smallscale, income-generating activities. This built on her master’s thesis in international management, which examined the effects of commercial marketing on Mbukushu weavers in Botswana.

She has two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Colorado in fine art (specialising in jewellery-making and painting) and psychology, focusing on art therapy. Her father sparked her interest in photography by giving her a little Brownie camera when she was about six years old. Dr Terry was born in Chicago but has lived in Africa for over 40 years. In Botswana, she was involved in expanding the country’s craft industry, organising producer groups, and training craft development advisors and instructors. One of Elizabeth Terry’s passions is to raise awareness about the true value of southern African baskets. She says, ‘I want to draw attention to these baskets and their makers, to ensure that the weavers are properly recognised and compensated for their knowledge and skills gained over many years. They should be considered equal to any Native American basketmaker. Few people know about the time and effort that goes into making a basket. This is especially true for collecting the raw materials, but also that weaving one basket can take weeks and weeks. I also like to provide precise information on the type of natural resources used, with their scientific names; not just saying the usual ‘made from palm leaves and various tree bark for the colours’. This can correct or add to the limited information provided in many museum displays, but also enhance private collections.

Woven Legacies

Innovation & Tradition

Online closing 24 February 2025 from 2pm

On View at Strauss & Co in Cape Town until 24 February 2025