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2.11 Indigenous Kenyan Craft (Basketry)
Creative Arts and Sports · Grade 8 · 10 lessons in the design
What this covers
- Basketry as an indigenous Kenyan craft; coil technique
- Materials: sisal, palmyra, banana fibre, raffia, twigs, recyclable synthetic fabric
- Sourcing and preparing materials with care for the environment
- Making a simple coiled item such as a mat or a tray
What you will be able to do
- identify basketry items made using coil techniques
- make a basketry item using the coil method
- appreciate basketry as an indigenous craft in Kenya
Key questions
“How does basket making contribute to the economic well-being of communities?”
Lessons
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Basketry and economic well-being
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizDefine coiled basketry as an indigenous Kenyan craft that serves homes and can support livelihoods.
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Identifying coiled items
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizRecognise coil by the sewn spiral, and distinguish it from twined or plaited Kenyan work.
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Sisal, palmyra, banana fibre and other materials
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizName sisal, palmyra, banana fibre, raffia, twigs and recyclable synthetics, and match them to local availability.
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Sourcing and preparing materials
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizCollect allowed fibre, cut even strips, optionally dye, and soften, with environmental care and tool safety.
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The coil method
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizExplain core, wrap and stitch, and practise a short scrap coil before the real centre.
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Starting the coil centre
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizTaper, wrap, form a small disc and lock it so a mat can stay flat.
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Even wrapping and stitching
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizGrow the coil with even stitches and core, keeping a mat flat, and join a new wrap cleanly.
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Making a coiled mat
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizFinish a small flat coiled mat with a bound edge and a materials tag.
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Making a coiled tray
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizClimb a short wall from a flat base to form a tray, or complete a mat to a high standard.
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Display, critique and well-being
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizShowcase coiled items with honest tags, critique craft, and answer how finished basketry supports community well-being.