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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$125.00
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
$185.00
This large hamper in classic white is your laundry and storage solution. Large enough to hold several loads of laundry, or use it to store spare blankets and pillows. Pop on the lid to hide what's inside!
Talented weavers in Senegal handcraft hampers from coils of natural grasses. They expertly interweave thin strips of plastic, an upcycled product which is locally produced to make prayer mats. The basket includes braided plastic handles and a fitted lid.
Care: Wipe with damp cloth to clean.
Approximate Size: 26"-28"T (with lid) x 19"W
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.
$125.00
Bringing style to storage, this sunny cream and yellow handmade basket is woven in rural Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic from the local prayer mat factory. It features a flat lid with cutout handles. Beautifully handwoven, these lidded baskets are a fun and different way to store everything from toys to craft supplies, linens to laundry.
Measures approximately 14"D x 19"T.
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$125.00
These colorful baskets are woven from natural grasses and thin strips of plastic in Senegal. Each basket features blocks of color and cutout handles.
The baskets are made in a special collaboration with the Peace Corps in an effort to extend the reach of rural artisans. The baskets are fair trade and the artisans are well compensated.
Dimensions: 14"L x 14"W x 19"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
$185.00
Offering an artistic storage solution for the home, this durable basket is handmade in Senegal by experienced Wolof weavers using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic producing this delightful silver and white triangle pattern. The basket's domed lid allows for an impressive amount of storage.
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 26-28"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
See our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more.
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$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
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 plastic strips salvaged from a Dakar mat factory. Featuring aqua, orange, yellow and white triangles, the combination of natural and synthetic materials beautifully displays modern African artistry.
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 19"L x 19"W x 30"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.
$185.00
These tall baskets are woven in Senegal using natural grasses and white plastic strips. Each basket includes a flat, fitted lid and braided handles.
Our hampers are handwoven by an association of more than 100 rural Wolof women in rural Senegal. Crafting baskets allows the craftswomen to earn income from the comfort of their community.
Measures approximately 25"T x 18"D; size may vary slightly.
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$115.00
Handwoven in the West African nation of Senegal, this lidded basket brings incredible artisan craftsmanship and great storage into our living spaces.
Originally created with an association of more than 100 rural Wolof women and the Peace Corps in an effort to improve quality of life in Senegal, the baskets are tightly woven and will last for years to come with little to no maintenance.
Measures approximately 22"T x 17"D. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, design placement and shape will vary slightly. See our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more.
$115.00
Handwoven in the West African nation of Senegal, these outstanding baskets bring incredible artisan craftsmanship and great storage into our living spaces.
Originally created with an association of more than 100 rural Wolof women and the Peace Corps in an effort to improve quality of life in Senegal, the baskets are tightly woven and will last for years to come with little to no maintenance.
Measures approximately 22"T x 17"D. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, design placement and shape will vary slightly. See our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more.