About Us
With a legacy spanning over two decades, Rainforest Baskets (RFB) stands as a testament to unwavering expertise in the world of indigenous and tribal art. Founded in 2002, our boutique enterprise, led by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Ed and Jen Kuyper, has carved a niche in the art world by curating and importing exceptional creations from master weavers across the globe. We are proud to share the beauty and diversity of these traditional art forms with art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Curated & Selected
From the most diminutive baskets, scarcely larger than a thimble, to magnificent creations spanning three feet in width, painstakingly crafted over the course of eight years, RFB proudly imports an expansive range of woven masterpieces.
In collaboration with our esteemed local partners, we undertake extensive journeys to personally engage with weavers. These voyages involve meticulous inspections of works in progress, as well as the evaluation of recently finished pieces prepared for shipment.
Involved in the process
Methodically documenting the ongoing work of master weavers plays a pivotal role in our work. These reviews equip our team with the insights required to anticipate and prepare for the upcoming masterpieces.
These comprehensive reviews encompass meticulous travel observations, detailed notations on weaver progress, and precise photographic documentation of the construction process.
Jen Kuyper visiting weavers
Ed Kuyper in the village
Kuyper twins running off into the village
Sebedeo & Itzel, Panama Wounaan PartnersFrequently asked questions
Jen and Ed collaborate closely with skilled weavers and their representatives in each country from which we source our pieces.
Through these direct relationships, we've established meaningful connections with artisans and trusted individuals who represent their countries and tribes with authenticity and respect. Every piece is thoughtfully selected and approved by us personally—whether we bring it back from an in-person visit with the artists or receive it through regular shipments from our trusted partners.
We honor the prices set by the weavers themselves, ensuring that every commissioned basket is truly “fairly traded.”
Our artist-patron approach is built on direct, supportive relationships with weavers and their families, supporting them consistently through the months, and sometimes years, it takes to create each museum-quality basket. We believe that artisans should be compensated promptly for their work, without undue delay.
These skilled weavers are knowledgeable about the value of their craft in U.S. dollars and understand the worth of their time and talent. The growing number of men joining the weaving community shows the art’s increasing value compared to other forms of work. In fact, some weavers now command thousands of dollars for their finest pieces, reflecting the respect and value placed on their craftsmanship.
Purchase woven art because you love it, not simply for its potential to appreciate in value. However, as demand grows for high-quality, handcrafted basketry and supply remains naturally limited, prices have been rising substantially year after year.
We can gain insight into the future value of woven art by looking at trends with vintage and antique Native American baskets, which often fetch thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. A collectible work of art gains value based on market perceptions of its uniqueness, cultural significance, and craftsmanship, both now and in the future.
There is a limited number of skilled weavers capable of producing fine basketry, and even fewer who are true masters of this art. If weaving skills are not passed down through generations, and supplies of raw materials are affected by environmental challenges, previously made baskets could become even more valuable over time.
