General Information
Botswanacraft
Botswana Basketry
Botswanacraft
Botswanacraft was established in 1970 by the Botswana Development Corporation to develop the rural based handicraft industry of the country.
The company has grown to be Botswana's largest retailer and exporter of handicrafts. Privately owned since 1993 the company now directly employs over forty citizens and indirectly creates work fo
Botswanacraft was established in 1970 by the Botswana Development Corporation to develop the rural based handicraft industry of the country.
The company has grown to be Botswana's largest retailer and exporter of handicrafts. Privately owned since 1993 the company now directly employs over forty citizens and indirectly creates work for numerous rural craft producers thoughout the country.
Botswanacraft complements locally made products by importing handicrafts from the southern African region and other developing countries.
We are dedicated towards improving the quality of life for rural Batswana and the management and utilisation of our natural resources.
Head Office:
Botswanacraft Marketing (Pty) Ltd
P. O. Box 486
Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: (+267) 3922 487
Fax: (+267) 3922 689
Botswana
Botswana Basketry
Botswanacraft
Within southern Africa on the Tropic of Capricorn lies a landlocked country about the size of France, called the Republic of Botswana.
The Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, dominating most of Botswana's landscape, greatly influjence the country's economy through the mining of diamonds and copper, the raising of cattle and an abund
Within southern Africa on the Tropic of Capricorn lies a landlocked country about the size of France, called the Republic of Botswana.
The Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, dominating most of Botswana's landscape, greatly influjence the country's economy through the mining of diamonds and copper, the raising of cattle and an abundance of wildlife, enhancing a growing tourist industry.
Although Botswana is potentially a wealthy country, the majority of its population remains rural and poor, without many opportunities for employment.
From Botswana's harsh environment and natural resources a vast tradition of craft making has grown. These products continue to be made and used, making Botswana one of the largest remaining sources of traditional African crafts.
Today, the increased production and sale of crafts for a commercial market provides the rural people of Botswana with a much needed source of cash income.
Botswana Basketry
Botswana Basketry
Botswana Basketry
The most famous of all the craft products of Botswana is the basket. As an intergral part of the Botswana agricultural culture, baskets have been made and used traditionally for thousands of years.
Closed baskets with lids are used for storing grain, seeds, and sometimes sorghum beer. Large, open bowl shaped baskets are used by the wome
The most famous of all the craft products of Botswana is the basket. As an intergral part of the Botswana agricultural culture, baskets have been made and used traditionally for thousands of years.
Closed baskets with lids are used for storing grain, seeds, and sometimes sorghum beer. Large, open bowl shaped baskets are used by the women for carrying items on their heads and for winnowing grain after it has been threshed. Smaller, plate shaped baskets are used for winnowing grain after it has been pounded.
The main producers of baskets are the women of the Bayei and Hambukushu tribes in northwestern Botswana.
Although baskets are still very much a common sight in rural Botswana, more and more are being produced today for the commercial market.
Expansion and diversity of weaving techniques, designs and the use of colour are encouraged through upgrading courses, annual competitions and exhibitions. Today, the baskets of Botswana are equal to the finest of art forms found in the world.