Olive (Kenya)
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Issue Theme/Column:
Ancient History
Basketry is a significant part of Kenya's history that seems to be often overlooked. It involves weaving baskets from materials such as sisal and swamp reeds and has been practiced since prehistoric times. Basketry originally served practical purposes such as storage and transportation but later evolved into a form of cultural expression with the creation of decorative items. Today, basketry still plays an important role in rural areas of Kenya, providing employment opportunities for thousands of artisans who sell their handcrafted products. Additionally, the use of renewable materials in basketry makes it an environmentally friendly practice. Despite its seeming insignificance to modern society, basketry is a valuable aspect of Kenya's cultural identity and economy. Although the exact origin of basketry in Kenya is unknown, it remains a vital part of the country's history.