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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$88.00
This straight-sided, handled basket from Ghana is handwoven by skilled weavers using sturdy stalks of all-natural elephant grass. The undyed grass in a neutral shade will be right at home in many rooms of the house. This is a lovely and functional hamper, or a wonderful basket to house a large potted plant.
Measures approximately 16"T x 16"W with 10" handles. Some variation in size is expected due to the handmade nature of this basket.
$85.00
Bring warm, natural tones into your home with this stunning hamper, then just pop on the fitted lid to hide what's inside! This small lidded hamper is sized to hold a single load of laundry or to stash a few extra blankets.
In northwestern Kenya, Turkana weavers transform the fronds of doum palm, also known as the gingerbread tree, into gorgeous, 100% natural-fiber storage baskets. The wide, flat palm fronds are woven in a traditional coil method, giving this lidded hamper a smooth finish, pleasing to the touch.
Size: 15-16" tall and 15-16" wide. Hamper basket features inset handles and a fitted lid. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.
Limited Edition, only a few available.
About the Artisans:
The Turkana tribe lives in the remote, semi-arid Turkana District in northwest Kenya. Their environment is frequently affected by drought, leading the Turkana people to habitually relocate to seek rain and fresh vegetation. They are pastoralists, relying on cattle for many of their needs. The tribe often travels in small groups to find pasture to sustain their livestock.
Turkana basket weavers are women of the tribe, weaving in the traditional coil method that has been passed down through generations. They weave with gingerbread palm fronds, also called doum palm—a drought-resistant native plant in northern Africa, which also produces edible date fruits.
$316.00
With natural grass and contrasting deep green dashes, this trio of baskets make storage beautiful in any room of the home. Think toys, throw blankets and pillows, or use as a laundry hamper. Each durable nesting basket in this set has a coordinating dashed design and is topped with small handles. Handwoven from elephant grass by artisans in Ghana.
The set includes 3 baskets:
[Large] 19"T x 19"D
[Medium] 17"T x 17"D.
[Small] 15"T x 15"D.
One of a kind set; you will receive the exact baskets pictured. Only one available.
$98.00
These handwoven open baskets are available in limited quantities! Made from durable elephant grass in natural and lovely shades of blue. Baskets will be very similar to photos, but slight variation is expected due to the handmade nature of these items.
Size:
[Small] Only one remaining 18.5”T x 15”D.
$220.00
Get these lovely hand woven open baskets while they are available because there is only one set available. Made from durable elephant grass in natural and orange and brown tones.
Measure 18.5”T x 17”D x and 20.5”T x 18”D. Only 1 set available.
$185.00
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 amply-sized laundry hamper basket features braided plastic handles and a snug-fitting removable lid.
Measures approximately 26-28" tall by 16" wide.
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$185.00
Featuring green windows and an orange background crafted from plastic strips woven onto dried cattail stalks, this large hamper creates beautiful storage in any room of the house. With braided handles and a fitted lid.
Measures 31”T x 18”D. Before ordering, please double check the measurements for your space, and email us at info@swahilimodern.com with any measurement questions.
Extra shipping charges may apply for this item.
Questions about shipping? Visit our Shipping FAQ.
$185.00
Store your laundry or your children's toys in this stylish hamper, or simply use to enhance your home decoration!
These hampers, handwoven by an association of more than 100 rural Wolof women in the West African nation of Senegal, bring beautiful modern artisan craftsmanship to homes around the world. These useful baskets are woven in the coil style by binding dried cattail stalks with aqua, brown, and white plastic strips salvaged from a Dakar mat factory. The combination of natural and synthetic materials beautifully displays modern African artistry.
Measures 19"D x 30"T. Sizes may very up to an 1" plus or minus, due to the handmade nature of these baskets.
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$196.00
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This useful set of large, open floor baskets is woven in Ghana from tough elephant grass. Each basket includes a set of woven handles for easy transport, nesting together when not in use.
The baskets are tightly woven and can stand up to years of use while still remaining beautiful. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
Approximate sizes: Medium - 20" wide x 9" tall; Large - 22" wide x 10" tall. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size and shape may vary slightly. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more.
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$290.00
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With short handles adorning each basket, this striped set of three make storage beautiful in any room of the home. Handwoven from durable elephant grass, these creative storage solutions are made to last.
Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
Size: Small, 18.5"D x 9"T Med, 20"D x 10.5"T Large, 22.5"D x 12"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]