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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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.
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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
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Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 15"H
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
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Large: 17.5"D x 26"T. Medium: 16"D x 21"T. Small: 14"D x 14"T. Sold as a set, these tall hampers ship nested inside each other.
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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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Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
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Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
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Designed for delivering a gift, these warming baskets are crafted in Senegal using local grasses and thin strips of plastic.
Thanks to the creative use of plastic, the baskets are updated with vibrant color and durability while maintaining their traditional appeal.
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Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 15"T
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
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Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 8"H
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal
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Made in: Senegal
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These modern African baskets, woven using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic from a local Senegal prayer mat factory, are perfect for storing smaller items. Each basket features blossom-shaped accents and includes a fitted lid with braided pull handle.
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Dimensions: 8.5"L x 8.5"W x 8.5"H
Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips
Made in: Senegal