This authentic vintage Milulu Basket from Iringa, Tanzania, is a beautiful example of traditional East African basket weaving. Iringa is the region in Tanzania where rural women have been handweaving round baskets for generations, using ancestral techniques passed down from mother to daughter.
The basket is made from Milulu grass (Eleocharis acutangula), a strong reed-like grass naturally growing in the tropical wetlands and marshes of East Africa, particularly in Tanzania. This durable natural fiber is internationally known as the traditional base material for the iconic handwoven Iringa baskets.
Entirely handwoven, the basket features warm earthy tones, a rich texture and an organic sculptural shape. Milulu baskets were traditionally used for storing food, grains and everyday household items. Their sturdy construction beautifully combines functionality with artisanal craftsmanship.
Each basket is unique and carries subtle irregularities, natural discolorations and traces of use that enhance its authentic vintage character.
Today, Milulu baskets are appreciated as sculptural tribal art objects in wabi-sabi, organic modern and ethnic-inspired interiors. Beautiful as decorative baskets on a console or open shelf, but also perfect for storage or styling with dried flowers, branches or textiles.
