Often used as laundry hampers, these lovely baskets are woven in Senegal using plastic strips and natural grasses. Each basket includes a fitted, flat lid and cut-out handles. Fair trade.

Measures 19" T x 14" W; exact size will vary due to the handmade nature of this basket.

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Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, skilled basket-weavers in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality sisal baskets inspired by nature. Tightly woven, these all natural baskets can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread, organizing toys or just hanging on your wall to add for unique home decoration.

Size: Small 10"D x 2.5"T; Large 12"D x 3"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.

These delightful sculptures are carved from a single piece of wood, then hand-painted with detailed coat patterns, facial features, and hooves.

Each animal ponders a book that contains a hand-written alphabet. The sculptures measure 10"H and make wonderful gifts for teachers, readers, and young children learning their ABCs.

Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur. Fair trade from Kenya.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

These tall giraffe sculptures are made from discarded flip flops that have been hand-formed, carved, and cemented together by artisans in Kenya.

Recycled sculptures are a colorful and eco-friendly way to recycle flip flops that would otherwise litter urban Nairobi or sit in landfills. We work directly with a small co-op of Kenyan artisans who collect, clean and transform foam footwear into bold modern safari art sculptures.

Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind and will vary from the examples pictured, due to the handmade nature and recycled materials used. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]

Size: approximately 38-44" tall x 21" deep x 11" wide; size varies due to the handmade nature of this item.

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.

Talented women in rural Rwanda utilize abundant banana and sisal fibers to create useful baskets for the home. Woven with an eye-catching black and white design, this all natural basket can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread, organizing toys or adorning the wall.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Size: 12"D x 2"T

About the Artisans:

Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.

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African artisans carve these unique servers from a single piece of olive wood, and add "twist" to each server.

The server handles are made from highly polished and sanitized cow bone that has been etched with African line art. These servers are easy to grip and use, and add rustic beauty to any dish.

Bowl not included. Servers measure 10.5"L x 3.5"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. Hand wash.

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of olive wood products, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community. The olive wood tree is sacred to Kenyans and appreciated worldwide for its beautiful grain patterns and durability.

These colorful giraffes crafted from red, yellow, white and blue oil drums will brighten any space you choose! Each sculpture made from recycled metal is finished with varnish to protect against the elements, although weathering is to be expected if exposed over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each one is unique; colors will vary, and size may vary by several inches.

Size: [Small] 8"L x 4"W x 32"T [Medium] 42"T [Large] 18"L x 8"W x 60"T [Extra Large] 26"L x 8"W x 72"T

Extra shipping fees are required for the Large and Extra Large sizes. Please scroll down for more information, and email us at info@swahilimodern.com with any questions.

About Shipping:

Shipping for large sculptures requires a pallet and cost starts at $200. After purchase, we will contact you via email regarding the additional shipping charges.

Shipping from our location in Oregon to the Northeast is most expensive, while shipping to California is least expensive. Shipping includes the cost for using a lift gate. Costs can sometimes be reduced if you can provide a business address.

Multiple sculptures can be shipped on a single pallet, typically costing the same as shipping for a single sculpture on a pallet.

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

Once you have placed your order and agreed to the shipping cost, we will send you a Paypal invoice. The total will subtract any shipping you have already paid during the checkout process.

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

Store your laundry or your children's toys in this stylish hamper, or simply use to enhance your home decoration!

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 aqua, brown, and white plastic strips salvaged from a Dakar mat factory. The combination of natural and synthetic materials beautifully displays modern African artistry.

Measures 19"D x 30"T. Sizes may very up to an 1" plus or minus, due to the handmade nature of these baskets.

This stylish set of two nesting baskets makes storage beautiful in any room of the home. Handwoven from durable veta vera grass, otherwise known as elephant grass, these baskets are stylish and made to last. 

Size: Small, 11-13.5"D x 6-7.5"T, Large, 14-15"D x 7-8"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation is expected. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]

Wood carvers in Kenya transform richly grained wild olive wood into this condiment dish with matching spoons. Use it on the table for spices, dipping sauces, or other condiments. A beautiful tree prized for its richly grained wood, wild olive is legally sourced by carving cooperatives. Artisans carve large and small pieces, from salad bowls down to spice spoons, to use the entire tree without waste.

Measures 5.5"L x 2"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. Hand wash.

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of olive wood products, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community. The olive wood tree is sacred to Kenyans and appreciated worldwide for its beautiful grain patterns and durability.

Perfect for your favorite chef or baker, these indispensable bowls are wonderful for holding spices and ingredients while cooking. The bowls can also double for holding dips or household items. Each bowl is hand-carved from solid olive wood and rests easily in the hand.

The Kamba carvers who craft these bowls travel into the bush in groups for safety and set up a makeshift camp at the site of the felled tree. Together, the carvers sit down and rough in the basic carving for items on their respective orders. Having a variety of items to work on allows the carvers to better utilize the tree. From large items like these bowls down to small pieces like earrings, the carvers hew a collection of beautiful shapes.

Large bowl measures 4"D x 2"T. Medium bowl measures 3"D x 1.5"T. Small bowl measures 2.5"D x 1.25"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

Made from olive wood. To care for this natural serving piece, hand-wash in warm water and rub lightly with a coat of olive or food safe mineral oil to ensure years of use.

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

These statement giraffe sculptures are a colorful and eco-friendly way to recycle flip flops that would otherwise litter urban Nairobi or sit in landfills. We work directly with a small co-op of Kenyan artisans who collect, clean and transform foam footwear into bold, modern safari art sculptures.

Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind. Select from 3 sizes:
5 ft tall (actual measurements 56-60" tall)
6 ft tall (actual measurements 67-70" tall)
7 ft tall (actual measurements 74-79" tall)

Extra shipping fees are required for this oversized item. Please see below to learn more.

About Shipping:

The 5 ft and 6 ft giraffes can often be shipped in oversized boxes, starting around $100. The 7 ft giraffes, or multiple giraffes, usually require shipping on a pallet, starting around $200. After purchase, we will contact you regarding the additional shipping charges.

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

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.

These soapstone eggs, in assorted vivid colors, are carved in Kenya's Kisii District then etched with sweet floral designs at a nearby workshop.

Each measures 2"T x 1.5"D. 12 in each set.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi’s industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charles's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

This unique set of salad servers are handcrafted from beautifully grained wild olive wood and bleached cow bone. With ample scoops, the set complements smaller salad bowls nicely.

The shorter size of these servers offer ease in serving salads with interesting tips on the handles made from highly polished and sanitized cow bone.

Servers measures 8.25"L x 3"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. Hand wash.

About the Artisans:

Kenyan artists hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The olive wood tree is sacred to Kenyans and appreciated worldwide for its beautiful grain patterns and durability.

Using jacaranda wood legally sourced by Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, these hand-carved beautifully simplified rhino sculpture are finished with a deep dyed brown stain.

The set of 2 sculptures make a beautiful addition to the home, office or gallery and measure 4"L x 1.5"W x 3"T. Each will vary slightly due to their handcrafted nature.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing wood cooperative in Kenya called the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative that consists of both young and old men who practice woodworking and painting in a open-air workshop. This environmentally responsible group takes great care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

• Description
• Artist Info

• JusTea® cold-pressed bergamot oil will take your Earl Grey experience beyond your normal expectations! Grown under the Mediterranean sun, organic bergamot oranges marry perfectly with the natural fruity notes of whole leaf Kenyan tea, grown pesticide-free on small Kenyan farms. Aromatic and rich, with notes of bright citrus and wildflowers, JusTea® high-caffeine Earl Grey is unlike any other you have tasted.

  JusTea is dedicated to maintaining the whole tea leaf rather than the normal maceration which destroys much of the leaf’s natural complexities and depth. This allows the tea to be steeped multiple times, retaining the full flavor profile that whole leaf tea offers.

  Each 90g tin includes a hand-carved wooden spoon and makes about 40 cups or when re-steeping, 80 cups. Steeping Instructions: 1 teaspoon of tea per cup of 205°F water for 3 mins.    

  See all teas in our African Coffee & Tea Collection.

• 

  The Bain family from Canada partnered with the Katah family and the Nandi Hills community in Kenya to establish JusTea®, Kenya’s first-ever, small-scale farmer-owned Artisanal Tea Factory. Fully staffed, managed, and owned by small-scale Kenyan tea farmers, JustTea was granted one of the first tea processing licenses to produce these artisanal, direct-from-farm teas by The Tea Board of Kenya. The tea farm is nestled in the rolling green Nandi Hills where its volcanic soil naturally produces some of the world’s most flavourful tea. This small specialty factory processes a rainbow of teas: Purple, Green, Oolong and Black artisanal teas.

These all-natural spice cups are hand-carved from sanitized cow bone in Kenya. A traditional batik dying process gives the cups their dark brown color and designs.

Measures 1.5"L x 1.25"W x 0.75"T and includes a tiny spoon. The cups are ideal for salt and pepper, and also make great gifts!

Size and design will vary due to the handmade nature of this product.

About the Artisans:

Joseph operates a small jewelry and accessories workshop in his home in Nairobi's Mathare neighborhood. Together with two talented young men, he crafts beautiful adornments from readily available and iconic Kenyan materials.

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.

Measures approximately 26-28" tall by 16" wide.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

Songa Designs International empowers a new generation of women in Rwanda by combining their traditional weaving skills with modern design to craft these beautiful sisal baskets. Inspired by nature, each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as sisal fibers and can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread or organizing toys.

Size: Small 10"D x 2.5"T; Large 12"D x 3"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.

Hand carved by talented Kenyan wood carvers, this simple pair of slender wooden salad servers showcase the beautiful grain of wild olive wood, contrasted by white cow bone handles etched with a pattern of lines.

Since this is a uniquely handcrafted item, the designs may vary from photos shown. These servers are easy to grip and use, and add beauty to any dish.

Servers measures 10.25"L x 1.75"W. Size may vary slightly. Hand wash.

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of olive wood products, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community. The olive wood tree is sacred to Kenyans and appreciated worldwide for its beautiful grain patterns and durability.

These decorative baskets, handwoven in Africa, feature a unique triangle quadrant design in cream and deep blue, and are woven using natural grasses and salvaged plastic strips.

Measures 14"D. Due to the handcrafted nature of this basket, size may vary slightly.

• Description
• Artist Info

• Did you know that there is a purple variety of tea trees that yields beautiful, vibrant purple leaves?!? Grown organically on small Kenyan farms like the jade green tea leaves that make all other tea, JusTea® purple tea leaves are naturally purple because they contain anthocyanins, the same super antioxidants found in other purple plants like blueberries and pomegranates. Fresh and soothing, with notes of aromatic mint and rose, a cup of low-caffeine Purple Mint is sweet and refreshing. Invigorating mint leaves are beautifully balanced with delicate rose petals and smooth purple tea. An added bonus: if you add a few drops of lemon to the steeped tea, the super-antioxidants will react to enhance a beautiful purple/pink colour change!

  JusTea is dedicated to maintaining the whole tea leaf rather than the normal maceration which destroys much of the leaf’s natural complexities and depth. This allows the tea to be steeped multiple times, retaining the full flavor profile that whole leaf tea offers.

  Each 60g tin includes a hand-carved wooden spoon and makes about 40 cups or when re-steeping, 80 cups. Steeping Instructions: 1 teaspoon of tea per cup of 190°F water for 3 mins.

  See all teas in our African Coffee & Tea Collection.

• 

  The Bain family from Canada partnered with the Katah family and the Nandi Hills community in Kenya to establish JusTea®, Kenya’s first-ever, small-scale farmer-owned Artisanal Tea Factory. Fully staffed, managed, and owned by small-scale Kenyan tea farmers, JustTea was granted one of the first tea processing licenses to produce these artisanal, direct-from-farm teas by The Tea Board of Kenya. The tea farm is nestled in the rolling green Nandi Hills where its volcanic soil naturally produces some of the world’s most flavourful tea. This small specialty factory processes a rainbow of teas: Purple, Green, Oolong and Black artisanal teas.

These stylish cream handbags are handwoven from durable sisal in Kenya and feature leather handles and a loop and toggle closure.

You'll feel great carrying this purse and knowing that it is fair trade and crafted with environmentally friendly materials. Sisal grass is very sustainable in Kenya and the purse's cow leather is salvaged from local scraps, then cut and conditioned to an impressive finish.

Measures 8"D x 12"W x 9"T. Due to the handcrafted 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!

Kamba artisans in Kenya carve these natural spoons from scraps of wild olive wood. Handmade and fair trade, this set of spoons makes a unique gift for any occasion.

Sold as a set of four. Each spoon measures 1"W x 4.75"L. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

Care: hand-wash in warm water, completely dry, and occasionally rub with oil.

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

These unique spoons, hand-carved by Kenyan artisans from bleached cow bone, bring a fun addition to the table.

The cow bone is boiled and polished. The patterned bone is created by using wax batik method that turns the bone to a rich brown-black hue.

Sold as a set of two. Size: 5"L x 0.75"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, variation will occur.

About the Artisans:

Kenyans love roasted meat, be it beef, chicken or goat, and some Kenyan nomadic societies center life around the ownership of cattle. Kenyan butchers are happy to have eager hands to take useless bones off their hands, so they sell these unexpected craft materials to artisans for a small pittance. Talented Kenyan craftspeople utilize cow bones to create bold adornments that beautifully represent the nation's appreciation for cattle.

Kenyan artisans create these stylish handmade coffee scoops from wild olive wood and batik-dyed cow bone adorned with simple patterns. Handcrafted spoons make a great gift, especially when paired with African coffee or tea.

Measures 6.5"L x 1.5"W x 1"T. Size may vary slightly. Batik patterns on handles will vary.

Care: hand-wash in warm water, completely dry, and occasionally rub with oil.

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

You'll get years of use of out this beautiful cheese board, made from solid olive wood and enhanced with batik-dyed cow bone inlay. So easy to grab and use, the wood grain makes cheese look lovely.

Board measures 12" long x 6" wide, though sizes may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of this product.

Made from olive wood. To care for this natural serving piece, hand-wash in warm water and rub lightly with a coat of olive or food safe mineral oil to ensure years of use.

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

These versatile baskets are handwoven in rural Senegal using local grasses and upcycled strips of plastic. The baskets are beautifully crafted, durable, and sturdy.

The simple, open shape makes this basket a great catch-all for knitting supplies, toys, or other items in your home. Fair trade. Measures approximately 16-17"L x 14-15"W x 10"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, size may vary slightly.