African Lunch 2024 Basket Covered with Leather

This Agelgel lunch basket was made by coiling grass and woven into the desired shape, most often round and then covered with leather. Four U-shaped lanyards are used to securely fasten the lid onto its base. The carrying strap was mended with a string and a cut on the lid was also repaired.

It was made to carry Injera, a staple food of most Ethiopians, to the field. Injera is made with an endemic grain, found only in Ethiopia, through a long process involving soaking, fermenting, and cooking over an open fire on a flat metal skillet. It is served with various spicy sauces but in the countryside where people are extremely poor, it is often eaten on its own.

Worn through and cracked leather, discolouration, frayed grass on the 2024 inside bottom and edges of lid, and usage patina all combine to highlight this vintage Agelgel. Circa 1970.

This item is part of my private collection, acquired in early 2007 in the Highlands near Addis-Abeba, Ethiopia.

Dimensions are: H 8" X D 12 1/2" - 20.4 X 31.4 cm