Indigenous Kenyan Craft - Basketry

15 Grade 8 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Indigenous Kenyan Craft - Basketry, with worked marking schemes. 15 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   4 marks

   A community elder visits your school to teach learners how to weave a traditional Kenyan basket (kiondo).

   (a) Name TWO natural materials traditionally used to make Kenyan baskets. (2 marks)

   (b) State TWO uses of traditional baskets in the Kenyan community. (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any TWO traditional natural materials, for example: sisal fibre, banana fibres, reeds, palm leaves (or doum palm), grass/straw, papyrus, raffia, or bark fibre. (b) Any TWO uses, for example: - Carrying or storing food such as grains, fruits and vegetables. - Carrying farm produce or shopping from the market. - Storing household items. - Decoration of the home. - Selling for income/trade (commercial use).

2. Question 2

   1 mark

   A learner researching the traditional Kenyan kiondo basket wants to name the natural material commonly used to weave it. Which material is traditionally used to make a kiondo?

   A. Sisal fibre

   B. Plastic strips

   C. Cotton wool

   D. Steel wire

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   6 marks

   Describe the main steps a craftsperson follows when making a sisal kiondo, from raw material to finished basket.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Up to 6 marks (1 mark per correct sequenced step): harvest/extract and dry sisal fibres; dye some fibres desired colours; twist/spin the fibres into strong string; start the base and weave outwards in a spiral/coiling technique; incorporate patterns using coloured strings; finish the rim and attach handles/straps. Award for logical order and correct steps.

4. Question 4

   1 mark

   Apart from carrying items, a well-decorated woven basket in the home can serve as a:

   A. Source of electricity

   B. Cooking stove

   C. Water pipe

   D. Decorative and storage item

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   A Kamba artisan demonstrates how she weaves a traditional kiondo using locally available materials. Which material is most commonly used to make a traditional kiondo?

   A. Sisal fibre

   B. Clay

   C. Metal wire only

   D. Glass beads only

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   6 marks

   A women's group in Machakos weaves baskets for sale. Explain three benefits this basketry activity brings to their community.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   2 marks each (max 6): income and employment for the women/families; preservation of indigenous cultural skills and heritage; earns foreign exchange/promotes tourism through exports; utilises locally available materials; empowers women economically and socially. Any three explained.

7. Question 7

   4 marks

   (a) Name two natural materials, other than sisal, that can be used in Kenyan basketry.

   (b) State two qualities of a good, well-made basket.

   (4 marks)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   Which tool is commonly used to make holes and pull fibres through when finishing the rim of a basket?

   A. A needle/awl

   B. A kiln

   C. A paintbrush

   D. A chisel

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   6 marks

   Akinyi visits her grandmother in the village, who weaves traditional baskets (kiondo) to sell at the market.

   (a) Name TWO natural materials traditionally used in Kenya to make woven baskets. (2 marks)

   (b) Apart from selling for income, state TWO traditional uses of woven baskets in the Kenyan community. (2 marks)

   (c) State TWO factors a weaver considers when choosing materials for basketry. (2 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any TWO natural materials (1 mark each): sisal fibres, banana fibres, palm leaves (e.g. doum palm/mukoma), reeds, papyrus, twigs/thin branches, grass, bark fibres, makuti. (b) Any TWO traditional uses (1 mark each): - Storing or carrying foodstuffs (e.g. grains, vegetables, fruits). - Carrying goods to and from the market/garden (shopping/carrying baskets). - Storage of household items in the home. - Use in cultural ceremonies / as gifts / for decoration. - Winnowing and serving food (flat baskets/trays). (c) Any TWO factors (1 mark each): - Strength / durability of the material. - Flexibility (ability to bend and weave without breaking). - Availability and cost of the material locally. - Ability to take/hold dye or natural colour for decoration. - Smoothness/comfort to handle.

10. Question 10

    1 mark

    Which of the following natural materials is traditionally used in Kenyan basketry?

    A. Sisal fibre

    B. Melted plastic

    C. Steel wire

    D. Cement

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Before weaving a kiondo, sisal fibres are often coloured using dyes. The main reason for dyeing is to:

    A. Increase the weight of the basket

    B. Add decorative patterns and appeal

    C. Prevent the basket from being sold

    D. Make the basket waterproof and rigid

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Basketry is described as an indigenous Kenyan craft mainly because it is:

    A. Made entirely from synthetic imported materials

    B. A recently imported industrial technology

    C. A traditional skill passed down through generations using local materials

    D. Only practised in modern factories

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    During a basketry lesson, learners interlace strands over and under each other to build a firm structure. What is this basic basketry process called?

    A. Carving

    B. Weaving

    C. Moulding

    D. Casting

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    The famous Kenyan handwoven basket popularly used for carrying shopping and often exported for tourism is known as the:

    A. Kiondo

    B. Suitcase

    C. Kikapu cha plastiki

    D. Jerrican

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    A learner twists sisal fibres together by rolling them on the thigh to form a strong, continuous strand before weaving. This process is called:

    A. Glazing

    B. Firing

    C. Twining/spinning the fibre into string

    D. Carving

    (1 mark)

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