This basket was made in Madagascar around 1875 and was a gift of Queen Ranavalona to the missionary-architect William Poole in recognition of his work in redeveloping the capital. It is reputedly one of only three sets made to illustrate the high state of the art of basket-work in Madagascar the other two sets were given to museums in London and Paris.

References
http://www.travelafricamag.com/content/view/496/56/
http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d8069e.htm

Geoff Barker, March 2007

The baskets were made between 1870 and 1880 in Madagascar.

The four baskets were made for the Paris Exposition Nationale 1881 and presented to William Poole by the Queen of Madagascar for acting as architect rebuilding the Palace and the city of Tananarive, capital of Madagascar, c. 1875, only 3 sets made for museums of Paris and London and this one, (Tananarive once called Antananarivoankidibivava)

Baskets (4), plant fibre, made for the Paris Exposition Nationale 1881, presented to W Poole by the Queen of Madagascar, 1870-1880.

A set of four square lidded baskets. The baskets graduate in size enabling them to fit one inside the other. The baskets have been made from natural coloured plant fibre and feature a very fine weave.

Made: Madagascar; 1870 - 1880


Owned: Poole, William; Paris, France; 1881

H4982

1870 - 1880