These handmade elephant grass shakers, woven in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana, are filled with beans and produce a unique, earthy rattle. A favorite instrument of both children and adults, they are dyed in bright purple, pink, and orange. A calabash gourd base keeps the rattling beans intact.

Sold individually. Each measures 5"D x 9.5"T. Color patterns and sizing may vary slightly since these are handcrafted items.

A smaller version of our popular durable Bolga baskets, this basket is handwoven from thick, tough elephant grass and dyed a vivid red. This smaller size is beloved by children for carrying treasures! Pair with a stuffed animal for a delightful gift.

Measures approximately 8"D x 8"T. Includes a matching leather-wrapped handle. Due to the handmade nature of this basket, some variation in color, shape, and size are expected.

These cute handcrafted African toys are knit from natural, organic cotton and are safe for children of any age. The animals feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf. Made by Kenana Knitters, who are known for their high quality crafts.

Size: [Small] 11"T x 4"L x 2"W [Large] 15"T x 5"L x 3.5"W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

These xylophones are carefully calibrated musical instruments that produce an amazingly resonant sound with warm, round tones greater than that of steel xylophones.

This West African percussion instrument includes 8 wooden notes with calabash gourd resonators of decreasing size (underneath). Traditionally crafted, this is a beautifully tuned instrument. Mallet included.

8 Note Xylophone measures approximately 20” long x 12” wide x 10” tall. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Ghanaian artisan James, handcrafts gorgeous balafons. James works from an artisan collective on the beach in Accra's Osu neighborhood. He utilizes mansonia wood and gourds to create these beautiful instruments known for their warm tones. 

These adorable soft stuffed elephants are handmade from natural, organic cotton and are safe for children of any age. The animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Small: 11" T x 4" L x 2.5" W; Large: 15" T x 5" L x 2.75" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

These bright yellow and green elephant grass percussion instruments are filled with beans and produce a unique, earthy rattle. Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana handcraft these colorful African percussion instruments from stiff elephant grass. A calabash gourd base keeps the rattling beans intact.

Sold individually. Each meausres 5"D x 9.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

"Children are the reward of life."

Stash cosmetics, art supplies, or other small items in this sweet pouch from South Africa! The gusseted bottom adds extra space to this small-but-mighty pouch. Beautifully screen printed, fully lined, backed with a coordinating pattern fabric, and finished with a contrasting zipper and ribbon pull; showcases the African proverb, "Children are the reward of life."

Size: 9.5"L x 6.5"T x 2"D. Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At Yda Walt Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, talented owner/designer Yda Walt and a small team of artisans dream up inspirational products centered on South African life and ethos.

Nurture a love of music with these fair trade, handcrafted percussion instruments from Kenya. Shaking adds the crisp sound of beads against Nile grass stalks or when tilted gently, the rain maker shakers create the sound of falling rain. Each shaker is crafted with a wooden frame and handle dressed up with simple burned geometric designs.

Small Rain Maker Shaker [Size: 9"L x 6.5"T x 0.75"W]
Medium Rain Maker Shaker [Size: 12"L x 6.5"T x 0.75"W]
Large Rain Maker Shaker [ Size: 14"L x 7"T x 1"W].

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

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.

Perfect for a child's room or any room that needs a spot of fun, this handpainted pillow cover by Tribal Textiles features a brightly colored hippo. Each 100% African-sourced cotton pillow cover features a back vent closure. Wash by hand or machine in warm water with mild detergent, and hang to dry.

Pillow cover and included pillow insert measure 18x18. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

These sweet 8"x 8" baskets are just the right size for children's hands to hold. Baby Bolga baskets are woven in Ghana using natural elephant grass. Just like our larger Bolga baskets, this tough fiber makes the baskets extremely durable and water-resistant. Just wet with cool water and reshape as needed, then air dry.

Baskets will be predominantly blue and green, but designs and colors are assorted—see photos for examples. Each basket is handmade and unique. Each basket is finished a leather-wrapped handle in black and/or brown leather.

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Using sustainably-sourced jacaranda wood, Kenyan wood carvers craft these beautiful giraffe sculptures. A colorful coat of paint brightens each sculpture.

Sold individually. Size: [Small] 3.5"L x 2"W x 16"H; [Large] 4"L x 2.5"W x 18"H. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

Your little one feel so grown-up sitting in this adorable pint-sized wicker chair with purple and yellow plaid cushioning that is a variation of traditional Maasai shuka cloth. Only one available!

Size: 24"L x 24"W x 20"T but may vary slightly.

This handpainted height chart by Tribal Textiles features a friendly giraffe design in cheerful red and other bright colors, with a moveable wooden animal on measuring string to record growth! Perfect for a child's room to measure your growing child. Each height chart features a top channel for hanging and is made from 100% cotton. Measurements in inches.

Height chart overall measurement at 53" T x 17.5" W. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

Machine or hand washable with cool water. Hang dry.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

These woven baskets are crafted in Senegal using local grasses and thin strips of recycled plastic. Featuring a bright red garland, this fair trade basket is a wonderful way to incorporate colorful creative storage into any space.  

Measures 13"D x 15"H. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, color and size may vary slightly. 

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These fun soft stuffed monkeys are handmade from natural, organic cotton and are safe for children of any age. The animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Small: 11" T x 4" L x 2.5" W; Large: 15" T x 5" L x 2.75" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

This handpainted pillow cover by Tribal Textiles features a brightly colored elephant design, perfect for a child's bedroom or any room that needs a spot of fun! Each 100% African-sourced cotton pillow cover features a back vent closure. Wash by hand or machine in warm water with mild detergent, and hang to dry.

Pillow cover and included pillow insert measure 18x18. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

These soft stuffed monkeys, handmade from natural, organic cotton, are safe for children of any age. The animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Small: 11" T x 4" L x 2.5" W; Large: 15" T x 5" L x 2.75" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

These fun spin drums are handcrafted from wood, plastic and goatskin. Each drum is characterized by a vibrant hand painted rainbow and musical note design. A cool gift for world music enthusiasts, young and young-at-heart!

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

Approximate Sizes:

Single Rainbow Hand Drum [Size: 4.25"L x 0.75"W x 11"T]

Double Rainbow Hand Drum [Size: 4.5"L x 0.75"W x 14"T].

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.

These vibrantly colored bowl baskets make storage beautiful in any room of the home. Handwoven from durable elephant grass and hand-dyed a vibrant green, these baskets are stylish and made to last. 

Sold individually. Size: Small, 11-13.5"D x 6-7.5"T, Large, 14-15"D x 7-8"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. 

This fun dinosaur is a colorful and eco-friendly way to recycle flip flops that would otherwise litter urban Nairobi or sit in 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.

Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind.Measures 17"L x 4.5"W x 9"T.

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 set of Zulugrass for Sweet Souls features three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass that 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. 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!

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

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A smaller version of our popular durable Bolga baskets, this basket is handwoven from thick, tough elephant grass. It is dyed a beautiful, deep blue or blue-green. This smaller size is beloved by children for carrying treasures! Pair with a stuffed animal for a delightful gift.

Measures approximately 8"D x 8"T. Includes a matching leather-wrapped handle. Due to the handmade nature of this basket, some variation in color (see photo examples for color range), shape, and size are expected.

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!

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!

These darling chairs are woven in Senegal using plastic twine and welded metal frames by talented African weavers. A tightly knit herringbone stitch makes the chairs durable and firm.

The chairs are a hit with kids and are offered in different colors to suit every personality. A peekaboo design on the chairs' sides allows them to be stacked when not in use.

Measures 15.5"L x 11.5"W x 16"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. Fair trade.

About the Artisans:

Sospenap, located in Dakar, is a plastic extruding and weaving factory. We have worked with Sospenap and their friendly staff since 2010. Their colorful plastics have helped us to further the production of hand-woven hampers and furniture that are crucial to the financial wellbeing of Senegalese artisans.

These xylophones are carefully calibrated musical instruments that produce an amazingly resonant sound with warm, round tones. This beautiful instrument includes 8 notes, and a set of mallets.

Measures approximately 16”L x 14”W x 2.5”H. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Vaima Arts Trust is an amazing organization that uses music and creative arts to empower, rehabilitate, and advocate for marginalized members of their communities. Officially started in 2017, they teach the people they work with how to play, and create Zimbabwean instruments. "Vaima," a Shona word meaning "shine bright," encapsulates their mission to spread joy and creativity using music.

These vibrant heart dishes are hand-carved from solid soapstone in Kenya. The dishes are dyed to rich hues using natural plant dyes.

The dishes make great catch-alls for any occasion and are fair trade. Sold singly. Measure approximately 4"L x 4"W x 1"H.

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.

This handpainted pillow cover by Tribal Textiles features a friendly crocodile design in a cheerful and bright colorway. Perfect for a child's bedroom or any room that needs a spot of fun! Each 100% African-sourced cotton pillow cover features a back vent closure. Wash by hand or machine in warm water with mild detergent, and hang to dry.

Pillow cover and included pillow insert measure 18x18. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

Perfect for a child's room or any room that needs a spot of fun, this handpainted pillow cover by Tribal Textiles features a brightly colored giraffe design. Each 100% African-sourced cotton pillow cover features a back vent closure. Wash by hand or machine in warm water with mild detergent, and hang to dry.

Pillow cover and included pillow insert measure 18x18. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

These xylophones are carefully calibrated musical instruments that produce an amazingly resonant sound with warm, round tones greater than that of steel xylophones.

This West African percussion instrument includes 6 wooden notes with calabash gourd resonators of decreasing size (underneath). Traditionally crafted, this is a beautifully tuned instrument. Mallet included.

6 Note Xylophone measures approximately 16"L x 12"W x 10"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Ghanaian artisan James, handcrafts gorgeous balafons. James works from an artisan collective on the beach in Accra's Osu neighborhood. He utilizes mansonia wood and gourds to create these beautiful instruments known for their warm tones. 

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Using sustainably-sourced jacaranda wood, Kenyan wood carvers craft this pair of giraffes with their necks crossed and heads facing opposite directions. A colorful coat of paint brightens each sculpture.

Size: [Small] 3.5"L x 3"W x 12"T; [Tall] 3"L x 3"W x 18"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

These happy soft stuffed monkeys are handmade from natural, organic cotton and are safe for children of any age. The animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Small: 11" T x 4" L x 2.5" W; Large: 15" T x 5" L x 2.75" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

This cute little "weiner dog" is handcrafted by artisans in Kenya using discarded flip flops that have been washed, sanitized, glued, and carved.

Size: 10"L x 2.5"W x 6"T. Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind and designs will vary.

These friendly pup sculptures are a colorful and eco-friendly way to recycle flip flops that would otherwise litter urban Nairobi or sit in 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.

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.

Kalimbas, mbiras, karimbas, finger pianos...all are names for the same African percussion instrument from the Lamellophone instrument family.

These fair trade, Kenyan karimbas produce their resonant sound through the use of hollowed wood. Recycled metal tines fitted with tin can buzzers are plucked to create an unmistakable sound. The box is decorated with wood burnings and is held with both hands when playing.

Size: [Small] 3"L x 4.5"W x 1.5"T; [Medium] 4"L x 7"W x 1.5"T; [Large] 5.5"L x 8"W x 2"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Founded by Andy Koney nearly 20 years ago in his bedroom, today the Ghanian artistic collective known as Yenok employs 40 men and women who are dedicated to creating beautiful furniture and woodworking art, often with a spiritual flair. Yenok's products are recognized for their high quality and custom craftsmanship.

These fun folk art giraffe sculptures, created by re-purposing African seed pods by Zimbabwean artisans, are hand painted a bright orange with whimsical details.

Sold individually. Size: 1.5"L x 1.5"W x 6.5"T. Sizes and style may vary slightly since natural products are used.

About the Artisans:

Art, in its many forms, always draws both the creator and the observer together. Using readily available natural material such as pine cones and local seed pods, artisans from Zimbabwe rely on their creative spirit to handcraft these whimsical sculptures.

Kenyan wood carvers carve this pair of giraffes with entwined necks and heads facing opposite directions using sustainably-sourced jacaranda wood. A bright coat of paint brightens each sculpture.

Size: [Small] 3.5"L x 3"W x 12"T; [Tall] 3"L x 3"W x 18"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

Handwoven in Senegal, these mini baskets are crafted using coils of natural grasses, woven together with up-cycled plastic strips in a rainbow of colors. Each basket includes a fitted lid and knob for easy on-and-off.

The baskets are a great way to deliver gifts or hold small treasures. Measures 5.5"D x 6.5"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. 

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Adopt this happy soft stuffed monkey handmade from natural, organic cotton. Safe for children of any age, the animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Small: 11" T x 4" L x 2.5" W; Large: 15" T x 5" L x 2.75" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.