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.
Related Products
$68.00
These unique baskets are handwoven from milulu, a reed-like grass that grows near the city of Iringa, Tanzania.
The baskets feature an open weave design gives them a beautiful lacy appearance. All-natural and un-dyed, the baskets can be rinsed with water as needed.
Sold individually; choose from 3 sizes.
Approximate measurements:
Small 8"D x 8"T.
Medium 10"D x 10"T.
Large 14"D x 12"T.
Due to the handmade nature of these baskets, sizes and designs will vary slightly.Fair trade.
About the Artisans:
Home of the Hehe people, the city of Iringa is situated 300 miles from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and stretches along a hilltop overlooking the Ruaha River to the south. Iringa is famous for its woven baskets made from local reeds. The baskets are an important source of income for the 100,000 population town and are used across Tanzania and exported worldwide.
$68.00
Measuring 70" long, these handcrafted table runners are created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mud cloth fabric.
Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mud cloth technique in Mali.
Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L
Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye
Made in: Mali
About the Artisans:
Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.
$38.00
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.
$38.00
This sculpture, depicting grace and a joyful demeanor, 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"L x 2.25"W x 5"T.
$56.00
The graceful lines of a ballerina are captured in bronze by artisans in Burkina Faso. Each ballerina is cast from wax then bronze and hand-painted with a delicate aquamarine to add a beautiful contrast.
Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.
Dimensions: 3.5"L x 5"W x 8"H
Crafted from: Bronze, paint
Made in: Burkina Faso
$68.00
These joyful bronze sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. Dress and scarf details are painted by hand.
Each sculpture beautifully celebrates the bond between mother and child. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, each may vary slightly.
Dimensions: 2.5"L x 2.5"W x 5"H
Crafted from: Bronze
Made in: Burkina Faso
$44.00
This beautiful bronze sculpture, cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method, celebrates the double blessing that comes to mothers of twins or two children.
A one-of-a-kind work of art, each sculpture varies slightly and beautifully celebrate the bond between mother and child.
Dimensions: 3.5"L x 2"W x 6.5"H
Crafted from: Bronze
Made in: Burkina Faso
$98.00
Using the lost wax method to cast this calming bronze sculpture, artisans in Burkina Faso celebrate a lovely female figure searching for knowledge in a book.
An amazing value compared to similar bronze sculptures sold in the US, this work of African art adds beauty and meaning to any ledge in your home.
Measures 4"L x 4"W x 7.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation will occur.
$52.00
This versatile set of nesting baskets is handwoven using strands of natural and hand-dyed sisal. Versatile and stylish, these baskets are perfect for mixing up storage in any space.
Sold as a set of two nesting baskets. We recommend spraying lightly with cold water to reshape baskets.
Dimensions:
Small: 6"L x 6"W x 6"H
Large: 8"L x 8"W x 8"H
Crafted from: Sisal fiber, dye
Made in: Kenya
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 baskets are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!
Sold Out
$12.00
Showcasing natural, gray soapstone, this sweet elephant sculpture is hand-carved and polished by Kenyan artisans. Each sculpture displays the natural grain and varied coloration of gray soapstone. Colors are predominantly gray, but this is completely natural soapstone with no dyeing. Each piece could display variation in shade, grain, veining, and even some brown and pink tones, making each piece beautifully one of a kind. Additional color swatches are shown as possible examples.
Sold individually. Each measures 2.75"L x 2.5"W x 2"H. Size may vary slightly.
About the Artisans:
Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.
$48.00
This traditionally shaped basket is handmade in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. The basket's unique design allows for a surprising amount of storage.
Woven by experienced Wolof weavers, the baskets are durable and can last for decades. Each basket measures 13"D x 13"T; size may vary slightly.