Story by Gay Matambo
GRASS-woven baskets are still a popular interior, which is one of the reasons why a number of men in Mutirikwi area of Chiredzi have also ventured into the trade.
With basketry predominantly a domain for women, Mr Brighton Chada has a thriving art and craft business, whose products include basket chairs made from woven grass, tree bucks and bamboo reeds.
Each chair takes at least seven days to make while bigger chairs with more complicated designs take as long as a month.
Basketry has become a lucrative source of income for Mr Chada, who has been able to fend for his family through the art.
“I have been doing this for 20 years now. I married my wife and took my children to school through funds from weaving. When I started, I used to weave baskets only until I started making chairs. During the sugarcane crop season, that’s when we have many customers and sometimes it depends on whether people like the design or not,” he said.
“This area is actually called Pamasofa, even people in Harare know this place. I get resources locally, and I make these artifacts at zero cost. I use trees, grass, and reeds. The big one costs US$80, the small ones cost US$50 and garden chairs cost US$30. We make all-weather furniture. This is because these can stay outside even during rainy days and even in the house,” he added.
The ZBC News also caught up with Mr Farai Magaya in Muzembi village, Triangle, who specialises in traditional basket weaving using dry grass and reeds.
“I started full-time basketry three years ago and it is assisting me in sustaining myself and my family. I learnt weaving from my grandfather. I use bamboo reeds to.
“If possible, we could join hands with other artists at one place and sell our products. This will enable us to share ideas and access markets not just local but even regional and international, especially now that we are approaching the Easter holidays and tourists are going to be flocking the Lowveld,” he said.
The cultural and creative industries where basketry falls under, have become essential for inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities and achieving the goals set out in the National Arts and Culture Policy, the National Culture and Creative Industries Strategy as well as Vision 2030.
