Thrift store basket - African?

I found this interesting basket bowl with leather trim at the Goodwill the other day, and haven't been able to find out much. I'm guessing African, maybe Nigerian? And is it old, new, or something in between? 13" across at the top and 7" at the bottom. Thanks for any info!

Betty

 

Wow! I think it's beautiful.
You came to the right place... I predict that basket brainiacs will be dropping by with comments throughout the day and evening.
Good luck.

 

I like it! I know next to nothing about baskets, but I know what I like.

Out of curiosity, what is written on the bottom? Just the price or something else?

 

Just the thrift store price ($2.99).I didn't want to mess with it until I make sure it's okay to clean it.

 

I know little about baskets. But it looks like a pine needle basket of some sort. The leather binding is interesting. It looks old to me.

 

It is African.

This is a traditional coiled basket woven by the Nupe people of Nigeria. The Nupe and the Hausa (who make similar baskets) are related. A web search for "Nupe basket" will show examples to confirm.

Coiled baskets with rims and bottoms reinforced with leather have been made for generations in parts of Africa, and it's about the only place that you'll find them.

When these first started appearing on the U.S. market in the late 1970s, most were actually old, and used. Now, however, based on the thousands I've probably personally seen, I suspect that they are being made today, and aged or "antiqued" to look old, since there seems to be an endless supply.

 

Not my thread, but just have to say, Taupou you are so wonderfully helpful and always so educational.

 

Thank you so much!

 

Taupou is a basket brainiac!