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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$68.00
Talented weavers in Bolgatanga, Ghana, turn stiff stalks of elephant grass into these beautiful works of functional art. This basket features interwoven triangles and diamonds of retro-inspired yellow, orange, and brown.
Measures approximately 15"D x 15"T. Due to the handmade nature of this basket, some variations in color, patterning, and size are expected. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
NOTE: In response to requests for bolga baskets with less leather, we now offer many baskets without goatskin-wrapped handles! This basket is reinforced with a small amount of leather at each end of the handle, and the rest of the handle is natural grass. Grass handled baskets like this one are best used for display or decor. Please consider reinforcing the handle if you choose to use it for heavy carrying.
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$68.00
Woven in Ghana using tough elephant grass, this limited edition basket features a spacious kettle shape and a stylish handle. Hand-dyed a beautiful cinnamon color, this basket makes a great addition to any space.
The baskets are tightly woven and can handle years of usage while still remaining beautiful. Rinse clean with cool water and reshape as needed.
Limited edition, only a few available. Measures approximately 15" diameter at base, 10" diameter opening, and 11"T (17" to top of handle). Due to the handmade nature of this basket, dimensions may vary.
$42.00
Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana weave these useful and durable baskets from sturdy elephant grass, creating bright patterns as they weave. Bolga baskets stand up to any task while remaining functional and beautiful for years. Our new oval shape makes a perfect basket for harvesting fruit, vegetables, or flowers.
Each basket is finished with a sturdy leather wrapped handle.
Photos are representative of the general colorway and design, with cinnamon and ink stripes. Because they are handmade, each basket will be unique. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]
Baskets measure approximately 16" long x 8" wide x 7" tall (to top of basket); 12" tall (to top of handle). Size may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of this product.
$42.00
Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana weave these useful and durable baskets from sturdy elephant grass, creating bright patterns as they weave. Bolga baskets stand up to any task while remaining functional and beautiful for years. This oval shape makes a perfect basket for harvesting fruit, vegetables, or flowers.
Each basket is finished with a sturdy leather wrapped handle.
Photos are representative of the general colorway and design, with green and ink stripes. Because they are handmade, each basket will be unique. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]
Baskets measure approximately 16" long x 8" wide x 7" tall (to top of basket); 12" tall (to top of handle). Size may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of this product.
$42.00
Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana weave these useful and durable baskets from sturdy elephant grass, creating bright patterns as they weave. Bolga baskets stand up to any task while remaining functional and beautiful for years. This oval shape makes a perfect basket for harvesting fruit, vegetables, or flowers.
Each basket is finished with a sturdy leather wrapped handle.
Photos are representative of the general colorway and design, with woven ink stripes. Because they are handmade, each basket will be unique. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]
Baskets measure approximately 16" long x 8" wide x 7" tall (to top of basket); 12" tall (to top of handle). Size may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of this product.
$42.00
Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana weave these useful and durable baskets from sturdy elephant grass, creating bright patterns as they weave. Bolga baskets stand up to any task while remaining functional and beautiful for years. This oval shape makes a perfect basket for harvesting fruit, vegetables, or flowers.
Each basket is finished with a sturdy leather wrapped handle.
Photos are representative of the general colorway and design, with a red and ink design. Because they are handmade, each basket will be unique. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]
Baskets measure approximately 16" long x 8" wide x 7" tall (to top of basket); 12" tall (to top of handle). Size may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of this product.
$68.00
Offered in bright modern shades of red, pink, and purple, this beautifully woven basket is made using durable elephant grass. Each basket is handcrafted by talented weavers in Ghana.
All of the materials used in the bolga baskets are sustainable, and the baskets are fair trade. Measures approximately 15"D x 15"T. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
Due to the handmade nature of this basket, some variations in color, patterning, and size are expected.
NOTE: In response to requests for bolga baskets with less leather, we now offer many baskets without goatskin-wrapped handles! This basket is reinforced with a small amount of leather at each end of the handle, and the rest of the handle is natural grass. Grass handled baskets like this one are best used for display or decor. Please consider reinforcing the handle if you choose to use it for heavy carrying.
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$68.00
These natural grass baskets are expertly woven by skilled weavers from the Bolgatanga region in Ghana. To create the brilliant rainbow weave, artisans dye strands of elephant grass in an array of colors before weaving.
The basket can be rinsed with cool water and re-shaped, as needed. Measures approximately 15"D x 15"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.
This basket features a grass handle (recommended for home decor use, not carrying heavy items) and may include handle reinforcements crafted from pink leather.
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$28.00
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.
$28.00
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.
$28.00
A smaller version of our popular durable Bolga baskets, this handwoven elephant grass basket is dyed a rich dark brown and will remain functional and beautiful for years. This basket features a soft leather-wrapped handle in brown, matching the dye of the basket.
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 woven handle, wrapped in leather for durability. Due to the handmade nature of this basket, some variation in color, shape, and size are expected.