What the heck is a lek?
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
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Raffia basket or satchel used by donor at Roundway Farm, Roundway, Wiltshire, in c.1900
Raffia, made from palm leaves, is historically woven as a material by countries in Africa such as Madagascar. Raffia fabrics were introduced to Europe during the Renaissance period and were admired for their intricate woven designs. These woven fabrics would be used to make clothing as the material is so soft and can be dyed bright colours.
In the UK raffia became particularly popular as a material for creating bags in the mid-20th century, and today they are many UK-based raffia artists and craftspeople, as well as high-end fashion labels creating raffia products.
This item was selected by a group of Nepali ladies who were working on a weaving project with the museum.
They selected this item in particular as they had never seen a bag like this; woven with plant material (raffia) or in such a style. Woven bags in Nepal are often made on a loom in a tighter weave with materials in bright colours such as cotton.
Nepali Craft Group at Wiltshire Museum.
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!