Basketry and Weaving

The best known and most colorful baskets are from Harar. The largest are the Mesobs – round tables on which the meal of Wot and Injera is placed. A decorative lid is provided to cover the remains of the feast.

The Konso people from south-west Ethiopia make very heavy blankets called Billuko; the lighter cotton cloth used for women’s dresses has a wide demand. Special skills are necessary for the weaving of the multicolored design strips, called Tibeb, which are added to the borders. Material of special quality is made by Dorze and Gurage weavers.