From the remote expanses of the Kalahari Desert bordering the Okavango Delta emerges Africa’s most exquisite basketry, revered for its artistry.
Baskets crafted during the late 1970s are particularly prized and seldom seen in today’s market.
Michael Yoffe, along with his family, embarked on a three-year assignment in Botswana from 1976 to 1978 under the auspices of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Serving as a Handicraft Development and Export Advisor, Yoffe played a pivotal role in establishing Botswana as the premier source of Africa’s finest and most creative basketry. His initiatives led to prestigious placements of Botswana basketry in international museum collections such as the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and facilitated entry into high-end global retail markets. During his tenure, Yoffe significantly expanded and elevated Botswanacraft, a government-funded project in collaboration with UNDP/UNCTAD, into one of Africa’s most successful handicraft export institutions. This success translated into a vital source of sustainable income for various communities, including Mbukushu refugees fleeing the Angolan war, and remote tribal communities like the Yei, Sans, and Herero, through strategic development and marketing of their indigenous handicrafts.
The basketry of the Mubukush, Yei, and River bush tribes of Botswana reflects a profound connection to their natural environment and a rich cultural heritage. Designs, steeped in symbolism and tradition, depict events from daily life, hunting expeditions, omens, and natural phenomena. Each basket tells a unique story, with motifs like ‘The Flight of the Swallow’ symbolising the auspicious arrival of the first rains, or ‘Tears of the Giraffe,’ commemorating the noble creature’s demise during the hunt.
Crafted using Mokolwane palm fiber harvested sustainably from the banks of the Okavango Delta, these coil baskets serve both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes. Traditionally, they were employed for food storage, winnowing maize, and brewing beer, with the finest pieces reserved for special occasions like weddings or the birth of a child. Basket making is an integral part of daily life, with initiation into the craft considered a rite of passage for young girls.
Michael Yoffe’s dedication to preserving indigenous crafts spanned over three decades and saw him serve as Handicraft Advisor to the UN, with postings across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Trained as a textile designer at the Rhode Island School of Design, Yoffe’s scholarship and mission aimed to elevate indigenous crafts and safeguard cultural heritage. His legacy lives on through the development of high-end export markets, ensuring sustainable income for vulnerable rural communities.
The basketry of the Mubukush, Yei, and River bush tribes of Botswana reflects a profound connection to their natural environment and a rich cultural heritage.
Retiring in Auckland, alongside his late wife Susan, a Kiwi, Yoffe’s home became a testament to his passion, adorned with collections reflecting his extraordinary career. In his final chapter, he immersed himself in photography, painting, and hosting ‘art nights with Mike,’ where friends gathered to enjoy his culinary creations and captivating storytelling.
The Botswana Basketry of the Michael Yoffe Estate Exhibition is on now at Madder and Rouge, 25 Teed Street, Newmarket.
