Weaving a legacy
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday March 23, 2026 06:01
This stunning collection, dominated by women from the northwest regions of Shakawe, Etsha, Gumare, Maun, Shorobe and many more villages, is a testament to the country's rich heritage and the impact of art on livelihoods.
Acting Thapong chairperson, Mesh Moeti, declared that 'the best baskets in the world come from that area', referring to the northwest region of Botswana. These baskets are not just beautiful pieces of art, but also a source of income for many families, particularly those headed by women. Reginald Bakwena, a guest at the exhibition, emphasised, 'those women are making a living out of what they are producing. And they are supporting their children from there'.
The baskets, made from natural materials like palm leaves and ilala grass, showcase intricate designs and patterns inspired by Botswana's wildlife and vegetation. Gao Lemmenyane, CEO of the National Arts Council of Botswana, shared his experience of spending six weeks in Gumare, documenting the craft. 'The way they handle the material, the way they design things, everything is natural. It is extraordinary.'
The exhibition is a result of the partnership between Thapong Visual Arts Centre and the First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) Foundation, aiming to make local arts and crafts more visible and accessible. The FNBB Foundation's support has enabled Thapong to collaborate with artists and craftspeople, taking their products beyond local villages and districts, and even beyond Botswana's borders.
This initiative not only promotes cultural preservation but also contributes to the country's economic growth. As Lemmenyane notes, 'The creative sector is increasingly being recognised as a significant contributor to the economy'.
The baskets on display are not just beautiful pieces of art, but also a symbol of hope and resilience for many families in Botswana. The art of basket weaving is a renowned tradition for most tribes in the Ngamiland district and has put Botswana on the map as a pioneering basket-weaving nation in the Southern African region.
The Ngamiland Basket Weavers Trust (NBWT) was formed in 2002 to represent basket weavers in the district. Karenya Pithatho, one of the founding members and project manager, reveals that their Hambukushu traditional baskets were originally kitchen tools with different styles indicating their different functions.
The exhibition is a celebration of women's empowerment, with many female artisans showcasing their skills and creativity. As Bakwena noted, 'a woman is very strong in the family. She makes sure that we eat, she makes sure that we go to school, she makes sure that we even learn how to talk, and we even learn how to write'.