This graceful sculpture, depicting a woman lost in thought, is cast in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method, which uses hand-formed wax to create shapes. Each sculpture is completely one-of-a-kind, so color and shape may vary slightly.

Measures 3.75"L x 2.5"W x 4"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. 

These colorful 8"x 8" baskets are just the right size for kids' hands to hold. Baby Bolga baskets are woven in Ghana using elephant grass. Just like our larger Bolga baskets, the tough, natural fiber makes the baskets durable and water-resistant. Just wet with cool water and reshape as needed, then air dry.

This basket style is a mix of purples and blues, but designs are assorted—see photos for examples of the variety. Each basket is handmade and unique. Each basket is finished a leather-wrapped handle in black and/or brown leather.

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 leather wrapped handle. 

Photos are representative of the general colorway and design, with red, green and navy. 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.

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.

These intricate "izimbenge" baskets are created by Master Zulu weavers in South Africa with strands of repurposed telephone wire. These visually stunning baskets represent a traditional craft updated with modern synthetic materials.

Measures 12.5" diameter x 1" tall. The baskets, hand-woven from telephone wire, a requires several days of labor to create, feature a concave center, and are dense to the touch.

Displayed on a plate holder (not included), the baskets are an attractive accent piece for any home and can also be used for for serveware.

ZenZulu is a South African craft business organized by designer Marisa Fick-Jordaan. Once consisting of only two master weavers, the business taught unemployed women how to bead and weave, with an emphasis on telephone wire. Today, this highly regarded organization ensures sustainable incomes for more than 350 home based craft producers in four different communities.

These serene sculptures are cast from bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a seated mother and one child, with their legs dangling over the edge of wherever the sculpture is displayed.

A beautiful Mother's Day gift, this figure is limited edition. Measures approximately 7"T x 3“W x 4"D.

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.

Zimbabwean metal sculptors weld this large rooster statement sculpture from recycled metal. Standing at 30" tall, this unique piece of African recycled art makes a statement piece in the garden!

Please note that weathering should be expected if the sculpture is exposed to the elements over a long period of time.

Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation is expected. For example, some but not all sculptures will display various lettering on the recycled metal.

Approximate Dimensions: 30" T x 16" D x 10" W

Crafted from: Recycled metal

Made in: Zimbabwe

These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful standing figure balancing a pot.

This beautiful sculpture is limited edition; they are made in small quantities and are only available at Swahili Modern. 2 available.. Measures 14"T x 4"W x 3.5"D.

These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful figure carrying two pots.

A beautiful gift, this figure is limited edition, only one remaining. Measures 18"T x 7"W x 5"D.

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.

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!

Looking for a new basket for Trick or Treat? These sweet 8"x 8" baskets are just the right size for children's hands to hold. Baby Bolga baskets are woven in Ghana using natural elephant grass. Just like our larger Bolga baskets, this tough fiber makes the baskets extremely durable and water-resistant. 

Baskets will be orange and natural grass colors, but designs are assorted—see photos for examples. Each basket is handmade and unique. Each basket is finished a leather-wrapped handle in brown leather.

Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.

Approximate Size: 8"D x 8"T

Made in: Ghana

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

These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a feminine figure in flowing blue robes and headdress, holding two pots.

A beautiful gift, this figure is limited edition. Measures approximately 18"T x 7"W x 5"D.

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!

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.