Utilizing remnants of colorful Zulugrass, Maasai artisans are designing one-of-a-kind strands to symbolize the bright futures of educated children. Buy Zulugrass=Educate Kids. The Leakey Collection will donate 100% of their profits from the sales of these bracelets to pay for teachers' salaries in rural Kenya. Each 26" strand is packaged on a special tag explaining how the proceeds will be allocated. Wear it wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle, or long as a necklace. 

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

This bracelet will feature a variety of colors; each one is unique.

These African wine stoppers are cast from zinc and electroplated with an antique brass finish. Each sits atop a standard sized cork and measures 1.75"T x 1.25"L.

Sold individually. Choose from Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Cheetah, Giraffe, or Hippo.

The stoppers come to us from an eco-friendly, brass casting company in Cape Town known its community outreach and original products.

About the Artisans:

Roots of Creation is a South African company known for their innovate brass and metal products. They have been in the casting business for over 20 years, during which time they have built a reputation for high-quality and original product design.

Designed to showcase flowers as if they were an ostrich's plumes, these handmade African sculptures are are welded outside of Nairobi using recycled oil drums and scrap metal. Each ostrich is crafted from the ground up and exhibits its own unique characteristics.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home and are one-of-a-kind. Because they are made of metal, the ostrich planters will develop a patina when exposed to the elements.

Large measures 6 feet tall, with a planter basket that measures 21"D x 8.5"T. Smaller size measures 5 feet tall, with a planter basket that measures 15"D x 6"T. Sizes may vary slightly due to the handcrafted nature of this item.

Extra shipping fees are required for this oversized item. Please scroll down for more information.

About Shipping:

Shipping for oil drum sculptures requires a pallet and starts at $200. With freight costs increasing in 2021-22, we have seen costs as high as $400-$650.

After your purchase, we will work with a freight company to determine the exact shipping cost for the pallet to your location, from our warehouse in Oregon. We will contact you via email about the additional shipping fees.

We can also create this shipping quote at any time during the ordering process! Please email us at info@swahilimodern.com with your full shipping address to get started.

About the Artisans:

Moses and his small workshop of craftsmen build their own welding machines out of copper coil, tape, steel rod, and a sheet metal housing in order to create these spectacular metal works of art. Moses began his artistic career making furniture, but quickly switched to sculpture after an interested European buyer created a demand for his works abroad.

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from each Beads for Clean Water Zulugrass strand to the “Clean Water for Every Home” project; the goal - put a water dispensing unit, locally called a “leak-tin” in every Maasai home in the area. Clean water for drinking and washing helps stop the spread of life threatening disease and illness. Each strand is packaged on a special tag--explaining how the proceeds will be allocated--and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass to wear all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of color combinations. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

These simple yet durable baskets are hand woven by women in rural Tanzania. Available in three sizes, they are useful in every room of the home. Accents of dyed black milulu grass elevate these traditional baskets as modern decor.

Sold singly, three sizes available. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 10"H
Medium: 11-12"D x 12"H
Large: 13"D x 13"H

Crafted from: Milulu grass, natural dye

Made in: Tanzania

About the Artisans:

Home of the Hehe people, the city of Iringa is situated 300 miles from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and stretches along a hilltop overlooking the Ruaha River to the south. Iringa is famous for its woven baskets made from local reeds. The baskets are an important source of income for the 100,000 population town and are used across Tanzania and exported worldwide.

These authentic African mud cloths are handmade by artisans in Mali who grow and weave their own cotton. Each cloth is hand-dyed with fermented mud that has been stained with plant leaves.

The fabric features hemmed edges on two sides and can be used as a table cloth, wall hanging, or throw blanket.

Measures 44"W x 70"L. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, design will vary. For best care, hand wash in cool water and air dry.

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic, and child labor is never used. Mali Chic provides artisans with 50% advances on all orders and pay a fair price for their products.

Measuring 70" long, these handmade table runners are created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from these specially designed 26" Zulugrass strands to their Girls Graduation program to counsel young rural girls and their families on the importance of staying in school. Each strand is packaged on a special tag, explaining how the proceeds will be allocated, and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Proceeds from 26" Beads for Healthy Gardens Zulugrass strands support the Leakey Collection's “Healthy Garden” project, which educates Maasai women to plant vitamin and mineral rich home gardens. Most rural pregnancy and birth issues, as well as child development problems, can be eradicated by eating a healthy diet. Each strand is packaged on a special tag—explaining how the proceeds will be allocated—and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass in a mix of garden greens, blues, and purplesÑeach bracelet is unique. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Talented welders and metal artisans craft these unique recycled metal ostrich planters from washers, nuts and other salvaged metal pieces. Available in three sizes, these unique sculptures can be used to hold a variety of items inside the home and outdoors.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home, and because they are created from salvaged materials, each planter is one-of-a-kind. Due to the nature of the metal, the sculptures will develop a patina when exposed to the elements.

• Small planter measures approximately 40"T with a planter basket that measures 8"D x 4"T.
• Medium planter measures approximately 48"T with a planter basket that measures 8.5"D x 4.5"T.
• Large planter measures approximately 56-59"T with a planter basket that measures 10"D x 5"T.

Due to the handcrafted nature of these planters, size may vary slightly.

The bottom of each sculpture is porous by design, so consideration should be given during planting, such as lining the planter with moss.

About the Artisans:

Moses and his small workshop of craftsmen build their own welding machines out of copper coil, tape, steel rod, and a sheet metal housing in order to create these spectacular metal works of art. Moses began his artistic career making furniture, but quickly switched to sculpture after an interested European buyer created a demand for his works abroad.

This new Rise Up Cause Bracelet will initially benefit Grace, a former participant in The Leakey Collection's Girls Graduation mentoring program, as she pursues a teaching certification. Helping women transform their lives is the goal of The Leakey Collection. 

To wear, wrap the 26" Zulugrass strand, made from sustainable, natural grass beads, around your wrist 3-4 times. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass to wear all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of color combinations in natural color tones. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass come packaged inside fun Gift Rounds. Choose a color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Wear all 3 strands together or 1 or 2 at a time.

African artisans hand-carve these servers from a single piece of olive wood, and add "twist" to each server. The servers are sanded to a smooth finish, displaying the grain patterns of the olive wood tree.

Sold singly. Handle designs will vary. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Dimensions: 11.5"L x 3.5"W

Crafted from: olive wood, sanitized salvaged cow bone, and dye

Care: Hand wash in warm water and occasionally treat with olive oil.

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

These six strands of 26" Zulugrass, reminiscent of the iconic landmark in East Africa, can be worn all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of color combinations. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Often used as laundry hampers, these lovely baskets are woven in Senegal using plastic strips and natural grasses. Each basket includes a fitted, flat lid and cut-out handles. Fair trade.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 14"L x 14"W x 19"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

Easy to grip and use, these small servers bring the beauty of African olive wood to your table. Each server is crafted from a single piece of wood and features a seamless, spiral handle that reveals the carving skills of Kenyan Kamba artisans.

Hand wash in warm water, dry promptly and rub with oil before storage.

Dimensions: 8"L x 2.5"W

Crafted from: olive wood

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass to wear all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of color combinations (see additional photos as examples). Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times. 

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass come packaged inside fun Gift Rounds. Choose a color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Wear all 3 strands together or 1 or 2 at a time.

Three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass come packaged inside fun Gift Rounds. Choose a color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Wear all 3 strands together or 1 or 2 at a time.

Through the sale of Protect a Child from Malaria bracelets, Relate has raised more than $74,000USD to support Goodbye Malaria. Each bracelet is handcrafted in South Africa, and includes an informative display card to promote awareness about the fight against malaria.

Goodbye Malaria aims to eradicate malaria in Mozambique, while investing in Africa's future, creating employment and protecting, changing and saving lives. The initiative was started by African entrepreneurs who believe our generation can create innovative solutions for problems that ultimately change the way the world sees Africa. Goodbye Malaria facilitates public private partnerships, bringing together the private sector, government and the global fund while supporting and catalyzing on-the ground malaria elimination programs. Learn more at goodbyemalaria.com.

Materials: Plastic beads, pewter, elastic

Available in three sizes. S/Child = 7.5", M/Adult= 8", L/Adult= 8.5".

About the Artisans:

Relate bracelets are handmade and sold to make a difference and change lives. As a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise, the majority of Relate's revenue is donated to credible causes and invested in social initiatives, with a focus on creating opportunities for all involved, at every stage of a project.

This traditionally shaped basket is handmade in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. The basket's unique design allows for a surprising amount of storage. 

Woven by experienced Wolof weavers, the baskets are durable and can last for decades. Each basket measures 13"D x 13"T; size may vary slightly.

This large blanket is handmade by artisans in Bamako, Mali who grow and weave locally grown cotton. The artisans use an updated mudcloth technique to create abstract, geometric patterns. Each blanket is hand-dyed and one-of-a-kind.

Measures approximately 46"W x 68-72"L. Patterns and colors will vary due to the handmade nature of this item. Hemmed borders at top and bottom; as typical with authentic mudcloth, the backside is unfinished. For best care, hand wash in cool water and air dry.

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic, and child labor is never used. Mali Chic provides artisans with 50% advances on all orders and pay a fair price for their products.

Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, skilled basket-weavers in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality sisal baskets inspired by nature. Tightly woven, these all natural baskets can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread, organizing toys or just hanging on your wall to add for unique home decoration.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"L x 10"W x 2.5"H
Large: 12"L x 12"W x 3"H

Crafted from: Banana fiber, sisal

Made in: Rwanda

About the Artisans:

It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.

In classic white, this handwoven basket will be at home with any decor style. The medium size is surprisingly roomy, holding an oversized load of laundry or more. It features plastic handles for easy transport and a fitted, domed lid.

The basket is constructed in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic.

Dimensions: 15"L x 15"W x 24"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

Artisans in Kenya and Uganda use the fiber of banana palm trees to create this all-natural, African nativity scene.

The star-topped box transforms into a stable for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Surrounding the holy family are three wise men bearing gifts, a lamb, and three shepherds playing musical instruments are also represented. Ten figures in total are included, each an impressively handcrafted sculpture.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Dimensions: 5.25"L x 3"W x 8"H

Crafted from: Banana fiber, wire, wood, fabric

Made in: Kenya and Uganda

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

These beautiful oversized hampers are woven from colorful strips of plastic and cattail stalks by Wolof weavers in Senegal. Available in limited quantity, each hamper is completely unique in the color pattern but similar to the photos. Includes braided handles and a fitted lid. 

Sold singly. Colors and patterns will vary.

Dimensions: 32" tall, 17" diameter. Size may vary.

Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

Extra shipping charges may apply for this item. Questions about shipping? Visit our Shipping FAQ.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

This set of Zulugrass for Dreamers offers three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass in beautiful blues with sand accents. They come packaged inside a fun Gift Round. Choose this color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual that buys it!

Sold as a set of three strands in a gift round.

Dimensions: 26"L

Crafted from: Zulugrass, glass beads, elastic, dye

Made in: Kenya

Vibrant patchwork warthog sculptures are hand-created by metal sculptors at Tonderai Metal Works, working with used oil drums.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home and are one-of-a-kind. Because they are made of metal, the sculptures will develop a patina when exposed to the elements. Colors of sculptures will vary, depending on available oil drums.

Sold singly; three sizes available. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 7"L x 3"W x 6"H
Medium: 14"L x 5"W x 9.5"H
Large: 20"L x 9"W x 21"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

Add storage with classic style in any room of your home with this set of tall, white hamper baskets with a slightly tapered silhouette. The set features two nesting sizes, woven from sustainable natural grasses and white plastic strips repurposed from a prayer mat factory in Dakar, Senegal. These fair trade baskets are made by Wolof women in remote Senegal, who earn a sustainable income through weaving.

Sold as a set of two. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:

Large: 19"L x 19"W x 22"H

Small: 15"L x 15"W x 17"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected in size and shape. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

These fun triceratops dinosaur sculptures are a colorful and eco-friendly way to recycle flip flops that would otherwise litter urban Nairobi or clog up landfills. We work directly with a small co-op of Kenyan artisans who collect, clean and transform foam footwear into bold modern safari art sculptures.

Size: 11"L x 3"W x 5"T. Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

In Kenya, artisans convert discarded flip flops into one-of-a-kind art. Operating from a small Nairobi workshop, the dedicated group offers employment and creative opportunities while also keeping flip flop foam out of the landfills.

This mbira (pronounced UM-beer-ra), consisting of a hand-carved wooden base with attached staggered recycled metal tines and with a resonator to add a little buzz, is played by holding the instrument in the hands and plucking the tines with the thumbs. A particularly common musical instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, it is also often an important instrument to be played at religious ceremonies, weddings, and other social gatherings.

A beautiful gift for world music enthusiasts!

15 Note Mbira measures 5"L x 1"W x 8"T.

23 Note Mbira measures 8"L x 1"W x 9.5"T.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Artisans handcraft quality musical instruments that traditionally figure strongly in Shona ceremonies, using recycled wood and metal.

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass in these soft but vibrant colors can be worn all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of combinations. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Sold as a set of six bracelets with an informative card.

Dimensions: 26"L

Crafted from: Zulugrass, glass beads, elastic

Made in: Kenya

Crafted by internally displaced women living in a camp in a remote area of South Sudan, this intricate glass beading represents the blossoming of hope for brighter future for their children.

Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.

Size: 2.5"

Materials: Glass beads and wire

Note: These products are handmade and there will be slight variations in shape, size, and color.

About the Artisans:

"Refugees have skills and talents that only need a chance to grow and flourish. Within each piece lies a story of history and culture, and the chance for a person who has fled war and persecution to offer something of beauty and style to the world." - Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees

MADE51 is a global initiative brought to life by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Each ornament in the MADE51 Holiday Collection tells a story about the cultural heritage of its maker. These beautiful crafts are windows into the diversity and talent of refugee artisans around the world. They fill homes with meaning, as symbols of solidarity, empowerment and hope.

This duet pairs one 7" Kenyan-made porcelain bracelet on elastic with one colorful Zulugrass strand. Wear them together as a stacked bracelet or wear each piece individually. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. Maasai artisans hand-dye the grass with colorfast, low-impact dyes. Strung on elastic interspersed with Czech glass beads, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

These rare baskets are woven by Samburu and Rendille women in remote northern Kenya. Called "nomadic baskets," the baskets are styled for the modern home but based on traditional designs used for the storage of camel's milk.

Nomadic baskets are sold in three useful nesting sizes and are adorned with white beads. Because these baskets are handcrafted, each will vary slightly.

Each basket is tightly knit and is designed to last a lifetime. Sold individually. Approximate measurements: [L] 7"D x 5"T [M] 5.5"D x 4"T [S] 4.5"D x 4"T.

About the Artisans:

For the pastoral communities of northern Kenya, life pivots on the coming of rain and the survival of livestock. When the skies open, the landscape becomes lush and fragrant. Cattle and goats drink and forage near home and families stay together. In times of drought, warriors must travel far to find water for their herds, leaving women and children at home alone to endure dry seasons of unknown length as the streams, earth and trees dry around them.

Where they were once only allowed to own milk, Samburu women now own camels, plus they earn income by making baskets, processing meat and hides, keeping bees and refining honey. Through this shift in property control and a general increase in literacy in the region, Samburu women have become valued contributing community members.

This handsome set of handcrafted baskets offers three amply sized storage hampers in our most popular color to coordinate with any decor: solid white! Each basket is carefully handmade by a talented Wolof woman in rural Senegal. 

These durable, beautifully crafted baskets brighten any room of your home while providing an impressive amount of storage.

Sold as a set of three baskets. Because this is a handcrafted item, each may vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Large: 18"L x 18"W x 28"H
Med: 16"L x 16"W x 22"H
Small: 13-14"L x 13-14"W x 19-20"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

This blue kingfisher, featuring a long pointed beak, is handcrafted in Zimbabwe from recycled oil drums with painted accents. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements. However, some weathering should be expected if the sculpture is exposed to the elements over a long period of time.

Sold singly. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 4"L x 2"W x 3.25"T
Large: 5"L x 3"W x 4.75"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal, paint

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

The Leakey Collection's goal has always been empowering women in East Africa through work opportunity and now is providing additional entrepreneurship support to help their female Maasai neighbors build businesses through the proceeds of this bracelet. They will begin with a high-yield, low-impact dairy cattle program.

To wear, wrap the 26" Zulugrass strand, made from sustainable, natural grass beads, around your wrist 3-4 times. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Senegalese craftswomen weave cattail stalks with strips of plastic to create these decorative storage baskets.

This basket features a low, wide profile with a fitted lid, ideal for tabletop storage. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size may vary slightly.

Fair trade and handmade.

Dimensions: 11"L x 11"W x 5"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattails), plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

This stately woman with her red dress and headscarf is cast in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method, which uses hand-formed wax to create a cast for the molten bronze. Each sculpture is completely one-of-a-kind, so color and shape may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 2"L x 2.5"W x 6"H

Crafted from: Metal

Made in: Burkina Faso

These sweet baskets are just the right size for kids to carry. Baby Bolga baskets are woven in Ghana using elephant grass. Just like our larger Bolga baskets, the tough, natural fiber makes the baskets durable and water-resistant.

This style features stripes in raspberry pink and natural grass tones. Each basket is handmade and unique. Each basket is finished a leather-wrapped handle in black and/or brown leather.

Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.

Approximate Size: 8"D x 8"T

Made in: Ghana

Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.

Three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass come packaged inside fun Gift Rounds. Choose a color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Wear all 3 strands together or 1 or 2 at a time.

Dimensions: 26"L

Crafted from: Zulugrass, glass beads, elastic, dye

Made in: Kenya

This whimsical and beautiful dish with a floating hippopotamus is carved from serpentine stone. The design of the dish showcases the beauty of this locally-sourced stone through both textured and polished surfaces.

Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

Dimensions: 6.5"L x 5.5"W x 1"H

Crafted from: Serpentine

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Emmanual Mabika uses his talent to carve beautiful items from serpentine stone. Found in many deposits throughout Zimbabwe, its colors vary from black to brown to green, orange and variegated. Sculptors choose deposits of rock that are hard and therefore very durable.

Songa Designs International empowers a new generation of women in Rwanda, combining traditional weaving skills with modern design to craft these tightly woven sisal baskets. Inspired by nature, each handmade item handwoven with all-natural materials and can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread or organizing toys.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"L x 10"W x 2.5"H
Large: 12"L x 12"W x 3"H

Crafted from: Banana fiber, sisal

Made in: Rwanda

About the Artisans:

It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.

Handmade in Mali, these twirled brass earrings are a modern interpretation of the fulani earrings of the people, who wore large gold earrings as a display of wealth.

The earrings are handcrafted from hammered brass, making them lighter than gold and more affordable. The twisting of the brass adds dimension and dramatic shine.

[L] 1.75"L x 0.75"W [M] 1.25"L x 0.5"W [S] 1"L x 0.5"W. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic, and child labor is never used. Mali Chic provides artisans with 50% advances on all orders and pay a fair price for their products.

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This visually striking 70" long table runner with its natural tones is created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.