Arriving with Joy
Weaving is an old tradition in Rwanda and is most commonly used to make the famous traditional storage baskets. Traditional Rwandan baskets are made from weaving strands of grass and sisal fibers. Weaving in Rwanda is done using a large size needle rather than a large knitting needle.
The weaving that I grew up with was using sweet grass and sisal, in the style that my mother and grandmother taught me and what I still do today.
The materials used and styles created were often dependent on what was passed down through generations of women and based on what resources were available near the village where the matriarch grew up.
During my visit in May, I met with another group of women, who create very tall baskets. They use the same sweet grass and sisal that I know and the addition of bamboo to support the tall neck of the basket.
The construction of the basket is done in two steps. First, the inner structure is created and then a second outer ornamental shell is done.
This group had a lot of young mothers and children in the group. While this group of women came to spend some time at the house that I rent for the other group, they currently, do not have a place where they can come together on a regular basis.
Nonetheless, while together for this day, there was companionship, laughter, and joy … and children playing. These moments are always special.
