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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$185.00
This large Senegalese hamper provides an incredible amount of storage while making your home more beautiful with its array of rainbow colors. Fair trade and handcrafted with joy, the hampers are solidly constructed and will you last for years to come.
Each large hamper features a fitted lid, braided plastic handles, and a rainbow of colors. The hampers are constructed of two materials, both eco-friendly: sustainable grass stalks and discarded strips of plastic leftover from prayer mat factories, local to Senegalese weavers.
Measures approximately 27-29" tall (with lid) and 16-19" wide. Handle colors will vary.
Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size and colors will vary. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]
$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.
$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.
$32.00
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.
$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.
$38.00
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
$32.00
These lovely baskets feature vibrantly dyed, natural raffia in rich orange and burgundy, coiled over banana stalks. This functional art can be displayed on the wall with its raffia loop or put to use on the tabletop.
Sold singly, available in two sizes. 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: Natural 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.
$32.00
These gorgeous baskets feature vividly dyed raffia hand coiled over banana stalks in a striking design by Ugandan artisans. This functional art can be displayed on the wall with its raffia loop or put to use on the tabletop.
Sold singly, available in two sizes. 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: 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 marginalized 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.