Mossi Square-bottom Round-top Leather & Cowrie Shell Trim Straw Basket

This is one of many very characteristic baskets the Mossi people of Burkina Faso make and use commonly. The square bottom and round top are typical of this long-standing tribal tradition. This type has flared sides and is decorated around the top with leather and cowrie shell trim. It also has a single cowrie shell at each of the bottom corners as "feet". This same style of basket comes in a variety of sizes and decorative configurations. This one is among the smaller of the genre.

7 1/2" deep x 11 7/8" diameter at the top.