Indonesian Lombok Handwoven Offering Basket Beaded
This is a vintage Indonesian (Indonesia) handwoven and beaded Offering Basket from the Island of Lombok. Thousands of hand-strung seed beads have been hand-sewn onto this hand-woven offering basket. Colors of jet black, magenta, sunshine yellow and natural all combined with the basketweaver's talent to craft this handmade Indonesian offering basket.
Lombok Island is located near Bali. Many of the native Lombok Island people practice Wektu Telu, which combines aspects of Islam with Hindu-Buddhist beliefs. Other Sasaks practice Wektu Lima which is closer to orthodox Islam.
Lombok was colonized, first by the Balinese and then by the Dutch. Many Balinese families still live on the island and they do some of the carving of the beautiful, curvilinear figures that decorate the baskets. Their family compounds are marked by the traditional Balinese Hindu shrines, daily offerings and the complex Balinese ceremonial cycle.
There were few cupboards or cabinets in typical Lombok village houses, so hand-woven baskets of all types and sizes were created and are still used for clothing and trinkets. During a wedding, Lontar Boxes are used to transport dowry textiles while ceremonial baskets are used to present cakes. Some baskets are used for everyday utilitarian purposes such as coffee picking. Baskets are very strong, light and portable. The necessary materials are available from the fields and the forest. They can be worked on whenever there is a bit of spare time.
Rattan (rotan), a wild palm vine, is often used for its durability. The tough, inner core of the vine is coiled to form the main superstructure of a basket, while the outer skin is peeled off in fine, flexible strips for weaving the covering coils of the basket together. Other baskets, for example the nested, stacking ones, are constructed of stained split bamboo and bark. Sometimes trade items such as beads and coins or some shell inlay are added.
The best Lombok baskets are in demand by Indonesian collectors in fine shops in Bali and Jakarta, where their quality is appreciated. Sizes range from single, small rounded baskets with lids to sets of larger, nested baskets that can be stacked for display. Some of the workshops and suppliers on Lombok are trying to maintain and improve the quality of this traditional handicraft which can reach the level of fine sculpture in the wood carved figures. Lombok baskets are exceptional examples of an artistic and utilitarian tradition combined in an evolving, dynamic craft.
Indonesian hand-made baskets are a fine craft art, and this old tradition has been passed down through the generations and is persevered today. Used for display only, this wonderful Lombok Offering Basket is one from my own personal collection of baskets from around the world that I've been actively collecting for more than 20 years. Excellent condition. And yes, that IS a mirror in the center of the basket! Original purchase tag of $55.00 still attached.
This handwoven Indonesia art basket measures almost 9" in diameter and stands 3.25" high at the basket rims. Looks fabulous hanging on a wall as a hanging basket.
SB643 - Indonesian Lombok Handwoven Offering Basket Beaded
SOLD!
