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A TRADITION OF BASKET WEAVING IN GHANA
Starting from a small woven circle, Ghanaian basket weavers work their way out from a central point to reveal beautiful, distinctive Bolga baskets. Sometimes called “market baskets,” Bolga baskets are woven from veta vera, or elephant grass. While the grass is grown primarily in southern Ghana, weavers in the northern region of Bolgatanga excel at transforming the tough grass fiber into the iconic baskets. The people from the region rely on the sale of handcrafted items to supplement their income, and their craftsmanship is demonstrated by the high quality of these artfully woven baskets.
The weaving of Bolga baskets in Ghana has been a traditional skill for many generations, and is often a communal process. The Bolga baskets sold by Swahili Modern are fair trade and a reliable source of income for weavers and their families. Just as the baskets begin as a small circle and expand, so does the impact of purchasing fair trade items that directly benefit, support and empower the artisans who create them.
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$74.00
A perfect tote to carry from the market to the beach and beyond, this shopper is handcrafted in Ghana from thick stalks of natural elephant grass, with soft leather handles for added comfort and durability.
A popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, these indispensable bags stand the test of time, even with daily use. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.
Approximate Size: 18"T x 8"W x 16"L
Made in: Ghana
Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.
$74.00
A popular choice among green shoppers, busy mothers and picnic planners worldwide, this durable shopper, with braided leather handles, is woven from thick, tough elephant grass by artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana.
Dimensions: 16"L x 8"W x 18"H
Crafted from: Elephant grass, dye, leather
Made in: Ghana
$74.00
A perfect accessory from home to market to beach and beyond, this shopper handcrafted from thick stalks of elephant grass has soft leather handles for added comfort.
A popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, these indispensable bags stand the test of time, even with daily use. The bags can also be easily cleaned and re-shaped with water.
Measures approximately 16"L x 8"W x 18"T. Slight variations may occur due to the handmade nature of this product.
$74.00
This durable tote is handwoven in Ghana using tough elephant grass and features vibrant blue zigzag stripes. It features soft leather-wrapped handles for comfort and durability.
The totes are tightly woven, durable and can stand the test of time.
Measures 16"L x 8"W x 18"T. Due to the handmade nature of this basket, slight variation is expected. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]
$88.00
Rural Kamba women in Kenya hand weave these open top handbags from tough sisal fibers and soft wool and attach leather handles. Stylish and durable, the perfect addition to any wardrobe!
Measures 14"T x 14"W at the base, and 20-22"W across the top. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation may occur.
About the Artisans:
In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these womens' totes are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!
$88.00
Rural Kamba women in Kenya hand weave these open top handbags from tough sisal fibers and soft wool and attach leather handles. Stylish and durable, the perfect addition to any wardrobe!
Measures 14"T x 14"W at the base, and 20-22"W across the top. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation may occur.
About the Artisans:
In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these womens' totes are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!
$42.00
These handbags, handwoven from natural durable Kenyan sisal with leather handles and loop and toggle closure, never go out of style.
You'll feel great carrying this purse and knowing that it is fair trade and crafted with environmentally friendly materials. Sisal grass is very sustainable in Kenya and the purse's cow leather is salvaged from local scraps, then cut and conditioned to an impressive finish.
Measures 11"D x 8"W x 10"T to the top of the bag; handle height is approximately 5-6". Variation is expected due to the handmade nature of this item.
About the Artisans:
In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these womens' totes are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!
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$74.00
A stylish tote for the farmer's market, picnic, or beach, these beautiful and durable shoppers are woven from thick, tough elephant grass by artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana. This roomy tote is accented by stripes of lacy weaving, and the handle is covered in braided brown leather.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.
Approximate Size: 16"T x 7"W x 19"L
Made in: Ghana
Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.
$68.00
A perfect tote to carry from the farmer's market to the beach and beyond, this lace shopper is handcrafted in Ghana from stalks of natural elephant grass, with soft leather handles for comfort and durability.
In addition to being a popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, the lace weave of this tote makes it a stylish accessory. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
Measures approximately 9"W at the base, 18"W across the top and 16"T to top of bag (23-24" to top of handles). Due to the handmade nature of this tote, slight variation is expected. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]
$68.00
A perfect tote to carry from the market to the beach and beyond, this lace shopper is handcrafted in Ghana from stalks of natural elephant grass, with soft leather handles for durability and comfort.
In addition to being a popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, the lace weave of this tote makes it a stylish accessory. It can be rinsed with cool water and reshaped as needed.
Measures approximately 18"L x 10"W x 15"T (to top of tote), 24"T (to top of handles). Due to the handmade nature of this tote, slight variations are expected.