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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$255.00
This pair of large nesting baskets from Ghana is handwoven using all-natural stiff stalks of elephant grass. The undyed natural color will be right at home in many rooms of the house.
Large basket measures 17"T x 17"W, and the smaller basket measures 15.5"T x 14.5"W. Sizes may vary some as these are all handmade.
The baskets nest inside of each other for easy storage, and they ship as a pair. Made from all-natural materials & vegan.
$285.00
This pair of large hamper baskets are woven in Ghana using natural elephant grass, finished with soft leather wrapped around the handles. The baskets are tightly woven and can stand up to years of usage while still remaining beautiful. Reshape when needed.
Sold as a set of two hampers.
Dimensions:
Large: approximately 18"T x 16"W
Small: 17"T x 14"W
Crafted from: Elephant grass, leather
Made in: Ghana
$140.00
These hamper baskets are handwoven in Ghana using natural elephant grass, finished with soft leather wrapped around the handle. The baskets are tightly woven and can stand up to years of usage while still remaining beautiful. Like any Bolga basket, this hamper can be rinsed and reshaped with water when needed.
Sold as a set of two hampers.
Dimensions:
Large: approximately 18"T x 16"W
Small: 17"T x 14"W
Crafted from: Elephant grass, leather
Made in: Ghana
$196.00
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.
$315.00
Discounted as a set, these extra large floor baskets are woven in Ghana using tough elephant grass. Each basket includes a set of sturdy woven handles for easy transport. The three baskets nest together for shipping and when not in use.
The baskets are tightly woven and can stand up to years of usage while still remaining beautiful. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
Small: 18.5"D x 9"T. Medium: 20"D x 10.5"T. Large: 22.5"D x 12"T. Size may vary slightly.
$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, green, pink and purple 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: 18"L x 18"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 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.
$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
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.
Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 26-28"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
As with any handmade item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$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.
Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 26-28"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.