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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$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.
$136.00
This bronze sculpture, crafted by the age-old lost-wax casting process, portrays a woman as she dances to the music of the griots with arms wide and skirt twirling. Across West Africa, griots utilized oral tradition to share history, praise, poetry and cultural norms through music, recitation and dance.
Sold singly. Because this is a handmade creation, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 10"T x 3"L x 6"W
Crafted from: Bronze, paint
Made in: Burkina Faso
$56.00
This touching bronze sculpture of an expectant mother highlights the love a mother feels for her baby even before birth. Burkina Faso artisans cast it using a lost wax casting method, then hand-paint the details of the dress and headpiece.
Designed to sit on the edge of a ledge, shelf or table, this sculpture measures 4.5"L x 2.25"W x 6.5"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation will occur.
$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
$156.00
A slender figure, handcrafted by the lost wax method, in a blue skirt and head wrap sits with her legs crossed while she reads 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 5"W x 11"T. Some variation will occur.
$275.00
These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful standing figure with a walking stick, balancing a pot.
A beautiful gift, this figure is limited edition; they are made in small quantities and are only available at Swahili Modern. 2 available. Measures 19"T x 5"W x 4"D.
$115.00
These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful standing figure with a walking stick, holding a pot.
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$68.00
These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful seated figure with flowing skirts and a head wrap, designed to sit on the edge of a shelf.
This figure is limited edition; made in small quantities and only available at Swahili Modern. 2 available. Measures 7.5"T x 4"W x 3"D.
$275.00
These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze by artisans in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful standing figure in flowing robes with polished necklaces.
This figure is limited edition; made in small quantities and only available at Swahili Modern. 2 available. Measures 17"T x 5"W x 3.75"D.
$205.00
These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful seated figure reading a book.
A beautiful gift, this figure is limited edition; they are made in small quantities and are only available at Swahili Modern. 2 available. Measures 8.5"T x 3.5"W x 3.5"D.
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These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This sculpture features a beautiful standing figure balancing a pot.
This beautiful sculpture is limited edition; they are made in small quantities and are only available at Swahili Modern. 2 available.. Measures 14"T x 4"W x 3.5"D.