WOLOF WEAVERS OF RURAL SENEGAL
This coil style of basket weaving has been practiced in Senegal for generations. Traditionally, Wolof women created baskets by binding stalks of cattail grass, a thick local grass, with long strips of reed. Though reed strips could be harvested locally, they were very hard on the hands of the weavers. About 20 years ago, an idea revolutionized Wolof basket weaving. A factory in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, creates mats using plastic strips that strongly resemble the reed strips. Using the plastic strips to replace the sharp natural material, conditions for the weavers drastically improved and the baskets began to burst into vibrant colors.
Since 2008, Swahili has worked with a group of talented Wolof weavers in remote Senegal to design hampers and baskets woven from the salvaged plastic strips and cattail stalks. First introduced by the Peace Corps, Swahili and more than 120 Wolof women prove that cooperative, home-based craft export is an excellent way for rural women to earn fair trade incomes that build healthy communities.
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$48.00
This traditional basket is handmade in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. The basket's unique shape allows for an impressive amount of storage.
Woven by experienced Wolof weavers, the baskets are sturdy and can last for decades. Each basket features cool-toned dots of color (silver, aqua, and blue). Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.
Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 15"T
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
$48.00
Perfect for simple storage, this lidded basket is woven in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic.
Thanks to the creative use of modern materials, the baskets are updated with rich color and durability while maintaining their traditional appeal.
Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 15"T
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
$36.00
The Mountains of the Moon in Uganda contain the most varied and vibrant mountain scenery: from tropical rainforest, through alpine valleys, to snow-capped peaks and glaciers. These lovely baskets feature patterns echoing the shape of mountains, created by Ugandan artisans using vibrantly dyed raffia coiled over banana stalks. This sustainable, colorful art will elevate your wall display—simply hang using its raffia loop. Or, find a myriad of uses for these functional baskets, from the tabletop to the garden.
Sold singly. Because these are handcrafted items, colors and patterns may vary slightly.
Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 2.5"H
Medium: 12"D x 3"H
Crafted from: Raffia palm, banana stalks, natural dyes
Made in: Kenya, Uganda
About the Artisans:
Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, a member of the International Fair Trade Association teaches basic handcrafting skills to rural & urban women and provides income opportunities for the marginalised and disadvantaged: people with disabilities, widows, orphans, single mothers, women with minimal education, and people living with HIV. They handcraft baskets using natural raffia, some with natural dyes, wrapped over coils of banana leaf stems.
$325.00
These durable, beautifully crafted baskets brighten any room of your home while providing an impressive amount of storage. The hampers are handwoven by Wolof women in rural Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic.
Dimensions:
Large: 17.5"L x 17.5"W x 26"H
Med: 16"L x 16"W x 21"H
Small: 14"L x 14"W x 14"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
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Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$42.00
These bright African baskets are handwoven in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. A favorite choice for storing toys, scarves, and craft supplies, each basket includes a fitted lid with braided handle.
Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size may vary slightly. Fair trade.
Dimensions: 8.5"L x 8.5"W x 8.5"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattails), plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
$20.00
Handwoven in Senegal, these bright baskets are created using natural grasses and salvaged plastic strips. Each basket includes a fitted lid and knob for easy on-off.
These mini baskets are a fun way to deliver gifts or hold small treasures.
Sold singly. Additional colors also available.
Dimensions: 5.5"L x 5.5"W x 6.5"H (size may vary slightly)
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
$48.00
Using locally harvested cattail stalks and strips of plastic used to make prayer mats, a network of rural Wolof women in nine Senegalese villages makes these beautiful and durable baskets.
Perfect for simple storage around the home, each basket includes a fitted lid. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. They can be washed with a wet cloth as needed.
Dimensions: 12"L x 12"W x 14"H
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
$125.00
Wolof women in the West African nation of Senegal hand-weave baskets in the traditional coil weaving method, using natural grass. Interweaving colorful strips of plastic, salvaged from a mat factory in Dakar, the weavers brighten up the baskets and create designs.
Cattails grow abundantly in rural Senegal, making this natural grass a sustainable choice. The Wolof women earn a sustainable income from basket weaving, while enriching homes around the world with modern African craftsmanship.
This hamper basket features inset handles and a flat lid.
Dimensions: 14"L x 14"W x 19"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$68.00
These versatile baskets are handwoven in rural Senegal using local grasses and upcycled strips of plastic. The baskets are beautifully crafted and sturdy.
The simple, open shape makes this basket a great catch-all for knitting supplies, toys, or other items in your home. Each basket features stripes in varied shades of green against an aqua blue background. Fair trade.
Sold singly. Because these are handcrafted items, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 16-17"L x 14-15"W x 10"H
Crafted from: Plastic strips, cattail stalks
Made in: Senegal
$44.00
These beautiful, nature-inspired baskets are handcrafted by Ugandan artisans. Artisans build the baskets by hand-coiling vibrantly dyed raffia over banana stalks. This functional and sustainable art can be displayed on the wall with its raffia loop, or put to use on the tabletop or in the garden.
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 12"L x 12"W x 3"H
Crafted from: Banana, raffia palm, dye
Made in: Uganda
About the Artisans:
Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, a member of the International Fair Trade Association teaches basic handcrafting skills to rural & urban women and provides income opportunities for the marginalised and disadvantaged: people with disabilities, widows, orphans, single mothers, women with minimal education, and people living with HIV. They handcraft baskets using natural raffia wrapped over coils of banana leaf stems.