{"id":304,"date":"2026-04-27T16:45:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T16:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/eac\/?post_type=chapter&p=304"},"modified":"2026-05-07T19:04:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T19:04:32","slug":"1929-329","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/eac\/chapter\/1929-329\/","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan Woven Food Tray 1929.329"},"content":{"raw":"Rwandan Woven Food Tray (click here)<\/em><\/a>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_383\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]\"A Credit: Tony Carter, CSU College of Arts & Sciences[\/caption]\r\n\r\nImage Credit: CMA, Education Art Collection (Object No. 1929.329)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n

Metadata<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\r\n<\/header>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n

Creator<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOnce Known Tutsi Maker\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Date<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n20th Century\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTutsi Culture, Rwanda, East Africa\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Medium<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTwined Plant Fiber\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Measurements<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nUnknown\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Credit Line<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nCleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Gilpin Players of Karamu House\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n

Description<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWoven food tray created from twined plant fibers and produced in the early 20th century.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
This object is a handwoven food tray from Rwanda, made using natural fibers and traditional weaving techniques. At first glance, it may appear to be a simple household objects, but it reflects deeper cultural values and practices. In Rwandan culture, woven objects like this tray are often used during communal meals, where food is shared among family and guests. This highlights the importance of togetherness and community in everyday life.<\/span><\/div>\r\n

The tray also represents the craftsmanship and skill of Rwandan artisans. Basket weaving is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, requiring patience, precision, and creativity. Each tray is unique, with patterns and colors that can reflect regional styles or personal expression.<\/p>\r\n

In addition to its traditional use, objects like this tray have gained global recognition and are now often used as decorative pieces. This shift shows how cultural items can move beyond their original purpose while still maintaining their significance. This tray is now apart of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where it is displayed as both a cultural artifact and a work of art.<\/p>\r\n

Overall, this Rwandan food tray represents more than just a tool for serving food. It tells a story of culture, tradition, craftsmanship, and the importance of community.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n

Fun Fact<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<\/header>\r\n
\r\n\r\nWoven trays and baskets are traditionally handmade using techniques passed down through generations and are widely recognized for their intricate design and cultural significance.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\nStoryMaps<\/strong><\/a>\r\n\r\n[embed]https:\/\/uploads.knightlab.com\/storymapjs\/f62de469c196c711d2a6c67976bb95ed\/african-food-tray\/index.html[\/embed]\r\n\r\nOpen in New Tab<\/a>\r\n\r\n[h5p id=\"4\"]\r\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). African basketry and cultural traditions.<\/i> https:\/\/www.si.edu<\/p>\r\n

UNESCO. (n.d.). Traditional craftsmanship and intangible cultural heritage.<\/i> https:\/\/ich.unesco.org<\/p>\r\n

Cleveland Museum of Art. (n.d.). Collection and object information.<\/i> https:\/\/www.clevelandart.org<\/p>\r\n

Mosley, Whitney. 2025. \u201cTraditional Peace Basket (Agaseke): Researched by Jonathan Kodner - Art History Virtual Exhibition.\u201d<\/em> Art History Virtual Exhibition. August 18, 2025. https:\/\/blogs.missouristate.edu\/arthistory\/traditional-peace-basket-agaseke-researched-by-jonathan-kodner-2\/.<\/p>\r\n

Biro, Ya\u00eblle. 2011. \u201cTutsi Basketry.<\/em>\u201d Metmuseum.org. March 2011. http:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/toah\/hd\/tuts\/hd_tuts.htm.<\/p>\r\n

Otieno, Millicent. 2022. \u201cThe Meaning behind the Patterns on Rwandan Basketry.\u201d Paulski Art<\/em> . May 31, 2022. https:\/\/www.paulskiart.com\/blogs\/journal\/the-meaning-behind-the-patterns-on-rwandan-basketry?srsltid=AfmBOoogcEFcnK-K92JgyktVo6jDZV0J5ccF2SQ6Avnu3ZUmAJoDbiYZ.<\/p>\r\n

Erickson, Alicia. 2020. \u201cWeaving to Peace: The History behind the Iconic Rwanda Peace Basket.\u201d<\/em> Wanderful - Blog. August 24, 2020. https:\/\/blog.sheswanderful.com\/all-about-the-rwanda-peace-basket\/.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Created by Christina Brister for HIS 455 \u201cPower, Knowledge & Gender\u201d at Cleveland State University, April 2026.<\/h3>","rendered":"

Rwandan Woven Food Tray (click here)<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\"A
Credit: Tony Carter, CSU College of Arts & Sciences<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Image Credit: CMA, Education Art Collection (Object No. 1929.329)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Metadata<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/header>\n
\n
\n

Creator<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Once Known Tutsi Maker<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Date<\/strong><\/h2>\n

20th Century<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tutsi Culture, Rwanda, East Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Medium<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Twined Plant Fiber<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Measurements<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unknown<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Credit Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Gilpin Players of Karamu House<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Description<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Woven food tray created from twined plant fibers and produced in the early 20th century.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This object is a handwoven food tray from Rwanda, made using natural fibers and traditional weaving techniques. At first glance, it may appear to be a simple household objects, but it reflects deeper cultural values and practices. In Rwandan culture, woven objects like this tray are often used during communal meals, where food is shared among family and guests. This highlights the importance of togetherness and community in everyday life.<\/span><\/div>\n

The tray also represents the craftsmanship and skill of Rwandan artisans. Basket weaving is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, requiring patience, precision, and creativity. Each tray is unique, with patterns and colors that can reflect regional styles or personal expression.<\/p>\n

In addition to its traditional use, objects like this tray have gained global recognition and are now often used as decorative pieces. This shift shows how cultural items can move beyond their original purpose while still maintaining their significance. This tray is now apart of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, where it is displayed as both a cultural artifact and a work of art.<\/p>\n

Overall, this Rwandan food tray represents more than just a tool for serving food. It tells a story of culture, tradition, craftsmanship, and the importance of community.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Fun Fact<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
\n

Woven trays and baskets are traditionally handmade using techniques passed down through generations and are widely recognized for their intricate design and cultural significance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

StoryMaps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n