Discovering the intricate beauty of authentic Okavango woven baskets is a wonderful way to connect with the artistic traditions of northern Botswana. Woven by local Bayei and Hambukushu women, these baskets are internationally celebrated for their high-quality craftsmanship and beautiful designs. Visitors can visit local craft cooperatives in Maun to see the weavers at work, learn how natural root dyes are used to color the palm fibers, and purchase stunning, collectable pieces.
The geometric patterns tell stories of the natural world, featuring traditional designs like the forehead of the zebra or the running flight of the swallow.
One fun fact people love:
The tight weaving technique used for these baskets was originally developed centuries ago to create functional, watertight containers for storing traditional sorghum beer.
Where in Maun is it?
Located at various craft cooperatives and specialized shops, such as the Botswana Quality Baskets shop in central Maun.
How to reach:
Easily reached on foot or by local taxi within the central business district of Maun.
Best time to visit:
Year-round, with the dry winter months being the peak season for new basket collections as rural weavers bring their latest work to town.
Best time of day:
Mid-morning around 10:00 AM when the shops are quiet and you can take your time examining the intricate weaving patterns.
Entry fee:
Completely free to browse the shops and cooperatives.
Commute difficulty:
Very easy; located in flat, paved commercial areas of the town.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- Buying baskets from registered community cooperatives ensures that the majority of the profit goes directly to the rural female weavers.
- High-quality baskets are incredibly durable and can be gently folded or packed flat in your suitcase without damaging the strong palm fibers.
- Each basket often comes with a small tag detailing the name of the weaver, the village they reside in, and the symbolic meaning behind the woven pattern.
