Basket c. 20th century

This coiled basket was made by Beta Israel people, also known as Falasha. It features complex geometric patterns in concentric circles of red, purple, green and straw. It’s got me thinking about the time involved. Can you imagine how long it must have taken to coil this basket, round and round, building up the form and carefully placing each stitch? When I look at the basket, I think about the hands that made it, patiently weaving the strands together. I think of the maker, how she chose which colors to use and where. The repetition of these gestures across its surface creates a kind of rhythm, a visual beat, with each coil adding to the overall pattern and feeling of the piece. Thinking about this basket, I wonder about the history of the people who made it, and about the other artists who have been inspired by this kind of work. It's all connected, you know? Every artwork is part of a bigger conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas and inspiration that stretches across time and cultures.