Agaseke giving baskets, or peace baskets, originated centuries ago in the royal court of Rwanda. These beautiful baskets were traditionally used to hold precious goods or gifts. As a testament to their importance to Rwandan identity, an image of a peace basket is featured at the heart of the official seal of Rwanda.
Using a craft form perfected over the past millennium, Hutu and Tutsi women weave each of these little ornaments from the fiber of the agave sisalana plant, known commonly as sisal, and use natural dyes to add coloration. Each ornament bears the symbolic zig zag pattern, which represents two friends meandering together on a path and stopping to chat with friends along the way. They send the message that peace and understanding should be the highest goal of humankind. Each ornaments measures 4.5"T x 2.5"D. Set of two.
