These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a confident seated figure.

A beautiful gift, this figure is limited edition, only two available. Measures 8"T x 3.5"W x 5"D.

The perfect colorful tote to carry from the market to the beach and beyond, this shopper is handcrafted in Ghana from thick stalks of natural elephant grass. The handles are covered with soft leather handles for added comfort and durability.

A popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, these indispensable bags stand the test of time, even with daily use. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.

This is a limited edition item; we have 2 identical baskets in stock.

Approximate Size: 19"H x 18.5"W x 9.5"D

Made in: Ghana

Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.

This impressively large lion sculpture is crafted from upcycled flip flops in Nairobi, Kenya. We work directly with a small co-op of artisans who collect, clean and transform colorful foam footwear into bold, modern safari art sculptures.

Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind; designs and colors will vary due to the recycled nature of the flip-flop foam used to make each unique sculpture. We have just 2 available at this time.

Measures approximately 25" tall x 40" long.

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.

Featuring a navy checkerboard diamond pattern, these limited edition navy elephant grass Bolga baskets are perfect to hold houseplants or to create beautiful storage. Handwoven out of stiff elephant grass, these eco-conscious and indispensable planter baskets stand the test of time and can also be easily cleaned and re-shaped with water.

 Limited edition, only one remaining available in this style.

B: Measures 19" wide (12" width opening), 13" tall.

With leather-wrapped handles and spacious oval shape, you'll love this oval basket for picnics, the farmer's market, and beyond.

Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana weave these beautiful oval picnic baskets from thick and tough natural and dyed elephant grass. A popular choice among green shoppers, errand runners and picnic planners worldwide, Bolga baskets stand up to use and abuse and remain functional and beautiful for years.

This basket is "limited edition"; we have 2 nearly-identical baskets available.

Dimensions: 23"L x 14.5"W x 20"H

Crafted from: Elephant grass, leather

Made in: Ghana

Care: Bolga baskets can be rinsed and reshaped as needed. Visit our Care & Shaping instructions to learn more.

With leather-wrapped handles and spacious oval shape, you'll love this oval basket for picnics, the farmer's market, and beyond.

Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana weave these beautiful oval picnic baskets from thick and tough natural and dyed elephant grass. A popular choice among green shoppers, errand runners and picnic planners worldwide, Bolga baskets stand up to use and abuse and remain functional and beautiful for years.

This basket is "limited edition"; we have 2 nearly-identical baskets available.

Dimensions: 23"L x 14.5"W x 20"H

Crafted from: Elephant grass, leather

Made in: Ghana

Care: Bolga baskets can be rinsed and reshaped as needed. Visit our Care & Shaping instructions to learn more.

This oversized basket from Kenya provides versatile storage and striking style. Unstructured and woven from 100% sisal, the basket must be stuffed full to remain upright: think blankets and pillows, other oversized storage, or your most massive potted house plant!

Sisal is a tough, natural fiber with a spiky texture, extracted from the agave plant, which is prized for its sustainability. Baskets woven from sisal are remarkably durable.

Limited edition. Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from 100% sisal and textile dye.

Due to the large size and unstructured nature of this basket, it will ship flattened and will need to be shaped upon arrival.

Approximate Size: 22"T x 21"W

Made in: Kenya

Care: Spray with cold water and reshape as needed. Visit our Basket Care & Reshaping page to learn more.

About the Artisans:

In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these womens' totes are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!

This oversized basket from Kenya provides versatile storage and striking style. Unstructured and woven from 100% sisal, the basket must be stuffed full to remain upright: think blankets and pillows, other oversized storage, or your most massive potted house plant!

Sisal is a tough, natural fiber with a spiky texture, extracted from the agave plant, which is prized for its sustainability. Baskets woven from sisal are remarkably durable.

Limited edition. Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from 100% sisal and textile dye.

Due to the large size and unstructured nature of this basket, it will ship flattened and will need to be shaped upon arrival.

Approximate Size: 22"T x 21"W

Made in: Kenya

Care: Spray with cold water and reshape as needed. Visit our Basket Care & Reshaping page to learn more.

About the Artisans:

In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these womens' totes are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!

Crafted by Cameroonian and Congolese refugees living in Kenya, this Namji doll is hand-carved from jacaranda wood and intricately decorated. Details include yellow seeds beads, a white beaded necklace, metal and bead earrings, and additional decoration crafted from cowrie shells, rope, and wooden beads. Facial features are created with metal accents.

The jacaranda wood is treated with a combination of woodsmoke and staining. Please note that the woodsmoke treatment does impart a lingering campfire scent that will dissipate with time.

Each Namji doll is similar to the photographs, but may vary slightly due the handmade nature of the item. Size: approx 14-15" tall, 5-6" wide, and 3-4" deep.

About the Artisans:

Originating from the traditional fertility designs of the Dowayo/ Namji ethnic group in northwest Cameroon, these dolls are handcrafted by artisans from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo who are currently living as refugees in Nairobi, Kenya and have a loyal following in shops throughout East Africa.

Crafted by Cameroonian and Congolese refugees living in Kenya, this Namji doll is hand-carved from jacaranda wood and intricately decorated. Details include yellow seeds beads, a white beaded necklace, metal and bead earrings, and additional decoration crafted from cowrie shells, rope, and wooden beads. Facial features are created with metal accents.

The jacaranda wood is treated with a combination of woodsmoke and staining. Please note that the woodsmoke treatment does impart a lingering campfire scent that will dissipate with time.

Each Namji doll is similar to the photographs, but may vary slightly due the handmade nature of the item. Size: approx 14-15" tall, 5-6" wide, and 3-4" deep.

About the Artisans:

Originating from the traditional fertility designs of the Dowayo/ Namji ethnic group in northwest Cameroon, these dolls are handcrafted by artisans from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo who are currently living as refugees in Nairobi, Kenya and have a loyal following in shops throughout East Africa.

This limited edition of Namji dolls is carefully hand-carved and intricately decorated with white beadwork, a red accent necklace, and additional decoration crafted from cowrie shells, rope, and wooden beads. Facial features are created with metal accents. The doll is hand-carved from jacaranda wood, which is treated with a combination of woodsmoke and staining. Please note that the woodsmoke treatment does impart a lingering campfire scent that will dissipate with time.

Each Namji doll is similar to the photographs, but may vary slightly due the handmade nature of the item. Size: approx 14-15" tall, 5-6" wide, and 3-4" deep.

About the Artisans:

Originating from the traditional fertility designs of the Dowayo/ Namji ethnic group in northwest Cameroon, these dolls are handcrafted by artisans from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo who are currently living as refugees in Nairobi, Kenya and have a loyal following in shops throughout East Africa.

This dramatic, detailed sculpture of a buffalo head are welded from recycled oil drums and scrap metal in Kenya. The sculptures come to us from a small group of metal artists outside of Nairobi who work exclusively with recycled materials. The sculpture can be displayed inside or outside of the home, with the metal developing a patina with exposure to the elements.

Measures 12" T x 26" W x 13" D. Quantity is extremely limited. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

Moses and his small workshop of craftsmen build their own welding machines out of copper coil, tape, steel rod, and a sheet metal housing in order to create these spectacular metal works of art. Moses began his artistic career making furniture, but quickly switched to sculpture after an interested European buyer created a demand for his works abroad.

About Shipping:

Shipping for oil drum sculptures requires a pallet and starts at $200. With freight costs increasing in 2021, we have seen costs as high as $400-$650.

After your purchase, we will work with a freight company to determine the exact shipping cost for the pallet to your location, from our warehouse in Oregon. We will contact you via email about the additional shipping fees.

We can also create this shipping quote at any time during the ordering process! Please email us at info@swahilimodern.com with your full shipping address to get started.

Rural Kamba women in Kenya hand weave these open top handbags from tough sisal fibers and soft wool and attach leather handles. Stylish and durable, the perfect addition to any wardrobe!

Measures 14"T x 14"W at the base, and 20-22"W across the top. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these womens' totes are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!

These sisal wall baskets are handcrafted in Zimbabwe. Beautiful displayed on a wall or tabletop, the sisal fibers create a gorgeous texture and each basket is a work of art.

Limited edition, only three available. Measure approximately 11-12"D. Due to the handcrafted nature of these baskets, slight variation may occur. 

About the Artisans:

These baskets are sourced from the Collaborative Craft Project, a group in Zimbabwe working with local expert weavers and specializing in natural and sustainable materials. Sisal fibers are extracted from the agave sisalana plant and are hand-dyed to create beautiful colors. The dyes are all natural and sourced from trees native to Zimbabwe. Leaves from the Umdwada tree create black dye, Uchane leaves create yellow, Isinga roots and Umhlahlampethu leaves create brown, and other organic matter creates additional earth tones.