Shuku Blai

A coil weave basket, commonly known as shuku blai . Shuku blai is a Temne name for a type of finely made and ornamented coil-weave basket, often made by women and used for keeping valuable objects safe. This example is woven with dark and light fibres, and a plaited cord is attached to the lid. Larger baskets, such as this one, are often used to store clothing, and they were given to future Krio brides at their engagements.

Related Videos

Further Information

  • Type: Containers, vessels
  • Object: Shuku Blai
  • Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre
  • Culture Group: Temne
  • Dimensions: 110mm
  • Production Date: 1909
  • Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Collected and created)
  • Associated People: L. Probyn (Collector); A. Ridyard (Donor)
  • Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
  • Accession Number: LIVCM.2.9.09.35

Related Objects

Tongo Society Horn

Containers, vessels, Religious/ritual equipment, charms

Tongo Society Bag

Containers, vessels, Religious/ritual equipment, charms

Shuku Blai

Containers, vessels

Shuku Blai

Containers, vessels

Fowl Shaped Container

Containers, vessels, Figures, sculpture