Tall Nyanza Baskets of Rwanda
Basket weaving, a heritage passed down through generations of Rwandan women, represents identity, values, and cultural traditions.
Elegant baskets showcase artistry and connection to nature
Rwanda's unique double-layered technique, using bamboo and straw fibers in a wedge weave, creates bold, geometric designs inspired by the country’s natural landscape. Crafted from Sweet Grass, Bamboo, and Sisal from pounded Agave, these elegant baskets showcase Rwanda’s artistry and connection to nature.
The oldest traditional Rwandan baskets, known as Agaseke, were originally crafted by women of the Tutsi aristocracy to hold the Royal Family’s most valued possessions, from the King’s beer calabashes to the Queen’s jewels. Over time, Agaseke became symbols of wealth, used to present bridal gifts and later for storing grains after harvest.
Gahaya Links, empowering women through craft
Women gather in communal groups, weaving their baskets from harvested materials while sharing ideas for colors and designs. This collaborative process, central to the making of Rwanda's Agaseke or "peace baskets," symbolizes unity and has become a powerful source of healing for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Recognizing the economic and cultural importance of basket weaving, Joy Ndungutse and Janet Nkubana founded Gahaya Links, a company empowering women through craft. Gahaya Links has been instrumental in promoting reconciliation, supporting positive community living, and reducing the stigma around HIV/AIDS.
With 5,000 weavers across 52 cooperatives, Gahaya Links preserves Rwanda's basket-making heritage while evolving it for contemporary design. The renowned Nyanza basket, now reaching impressive heights of up to 60 inches, has become a global design icon, admired for its striking patterns and craftsmanship.
Frequently 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.
