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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$195.00
These beautiful oversized hampers are woven from colorful strips of plastic and cattail stalks by Wolof weavers in Senegal. Available in limited quantity, each hamper is completely unique in the color pattern but similar to the photos. Includes braided handles and a fitted lid.
Sold singly. Colors and patterns will vary.
Dimensions: 32" tall, 17" diameter. Size may vary.
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
Extra shipping charges may apply for this item. Questions about shipping? Visit our Shipping FAQ.
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$48.00
This traditional basket is handmade in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. The basket's unique shape allows for an impressive amount of storage.
Woven by experienced Wolof weavers, the baskets are sturdy and can last for decades. Each basket features delightful dots of color. Dot size and basket size may vary slightly.
Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 15"H
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
$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
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$48.00
This basket is woven in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. 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: 12"L x 12"W x 14"H
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
$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.
$28.00
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.
$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.
$36.00
The Mountains of the Moon in Uganda contain the most varied and vibrant mountain scenery: from tropical rainforest, through alpine valleys, to snow-capped peaks and glaciers. These lovely baskets feature patterns echoing the shape of mountains, created by Ugandan artisans using vibrantly dyed raffia coiled over banana stalks. This sustainable, colorful art will elevate your wall display—simply hang using its raffia loop. Or, find a myriad of uses for these functional baskets, from the tabletop to the garden.
Sold singly. Because these are handcrafted items, colors and patterns may vary slightly.
Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 2.5"H
Medium: 12"D x 3"H
Crafted from: Raffia palm, banana stalks, natural dyes
Made in: Kenya, Uganda
About the Artisans:
Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, a member of the International Fair Trade Association teaches basic handcrafting skills to rural & urban women and provides income opportunities for the marginalised and disadvantaged: people with disabilities, widows, orphans, single mothers, women with minimal education, and people living with HIV. They handcraft baskets using natural raffia, some with natural dyes, wrapped over coils of banana leaf stems.
$325.00
These durable, beautifully crafted baskets brighten any room of your home while providing an impressive amount of storage. The hampers are handwoven by Wolof women in rural Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic.
Dimensions:
Large: 17.5"L x 17.5"W x 26"H
Med: 16"L x 16"W x 21"H
Small: 14"L x 14"W x 14"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
Questions about shipping? Visit our Shipping FAQ.
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
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Handwoven in Senegal, these grain baskets are crafted using coils of natural grasses, woven together with up-cycled plastic strips in a rainbow of colors. Beautiful displayed on a table or adorning a wall.
This design is assorted by nature, and each basket will vary. Each is unique and beautifully handcrafted!
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 3"H
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal