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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A sweet baby gift and a stylish addition to any nursery, this beautiful baby bassinet featuring lovely indigo wing-like accents is handwoven from stalks of elephant grass. It can easily be toted wherever a busy mom needs to go. These Moses baskets are handcrafted by Ghanaian basket weavers and have leather-wrapped carry handles. It also makes a beautiful storage basket once the baby has outgrown it.
Dimensions: 28"L x 18"W x 12"H (to top of basket), 18"H (to top of handles)
Crafted from: Elephant grass, leather
Made in: Ghana
CAUTION: This product is suitable only for babies who cannot sit up unaided, roll over, or push up on their hands and knees and designed for stationary naptime use. Although very sturdy, this is not a carrying device, and babies must be carried separately from the basket when being moved. It should not be placed on slippery surfaces.
Mattress not included.
$145.00
This beautiful baby bassinet featuring vivid pink accents is handcrafted by Ghanaian basket weavers and has leather-wrapped carry handles. Woven from durable elephant grass, it can be easily toted wherever a busy parent needs to go. It also makes a great storage basket once the baby has outgrown it.
Approximate size: 28"L x 18"W x 12"T (to top of basket), 18"T (to top of handles), though it may vary slightly due to the handcrafted nature of this basket. Handles are reinforced with leather.
CAUTION: This product is suitable only for babies who cannot sit up unaided, roll over, or push up on their hands and knees and designed for stationary naptime use. Although very sturdy, this is not a carrying device, and babies must be carried separately from the basket when being moved. It should not be placed on slippery surfaces.
Mattress is not included.
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This beautiful baby bassinet featuring soft blue accents is handcrafted by Ghanaian basket weavers and has leather-wrapped carry handles. Woven from durable elephant grass, it can be easily toted wherever a busy parent needs to go. It also makes a great storage basket once the baby has outgrown it.
Size: 28"L x 18"W x 12"T (to top of basket), 18"T (to top of handles), though it may vary slightly due to the handcrafted nature of this basket. Handles are reinforced with natural and turquoise leather.
CAUTION: This product is suitable only for babies who cannot sit up unaided, roll over, or push up on their hands and knees and designed for stationary naptime use. Although very sturdy, this is not a carrying device, and babies must be carried separately from the basket when being moved. It should not be placed on slippery surfaces.
Mattress not included.
$145.00
One of a kind ultimate ethical baby gift and a stylish addition to any nursery, this beautiful baby bassinet, handwoven from stalks of elephant grass, can easily be toted wherever a busy mom needs to go. These Moses baskets are handcrafted by Ghanaian basket weavers and have leather-wrapped carry handles. It also makes a great storage basket once the baby has outgrown it.
Measures 28-30” x 14-17” x 12”. Handles are reinforced with leather. Limited quantities available.
CAUTION: This product is suitable only for babies who cannot sit up unaided, roll over, or push up on their hands and knees and designed for stationary naptime use. Although very sturdy, this is not a carrying device, and babies must be carried separately from the basket when being moved. It should not be placed on slippery surfaces.
Mattress is not included.
$145.00
This beautiful one of a kind handcrafted baby bassinet, is the ultimate ethical baby gift and stylish addition to any nursery. Handwoven from durable stalks of elephant grass, it can easily be toted wherever a busy mom needs to go. These Moses baskets are handcrafted by Ghanaian basket weavers and have leather-wrapped carry handles. It also makes a great storage basket once the baby has outgrown it.
Measures 31” x 16” x 12”. Handles are reinforced with natural leather. Only one available.
CAUTION: This product is suitable only for babies who cannot sit up unaided, roll over, or push up on their hands and knees and designed for stationary naptime use. Although very sturdy, this is not a carrying device, and babies must be carried separately from the basket when being moved. It should not be placed on slippery surfaces.
Mattress is not included.
$82.00
A perfect tote to carry from the market to the beach and beyond, this shopper is handcrafted in Ghana from thick stalks of natural elephant grass, with soft leather handles for added comfort and durability.
A popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, these indispensable bags stand the test of time, even with daily use. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.
Approximate Size: 18"T x 8"W x 16"L
Made in: Ghana
Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.
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A popular choice among green shoppers, busy mothers and picnic planners worldwide, this durable shopper, with braided leather handles, is woven from thick, tough elephant grass by artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana.
Dimensions: 16"L x 8"W x 18"H
Crafted from: Elephant grass, dye, leather
Made in: Ghana
$88.00
Rural Kamba women in Kenya hand weave these open top handbags from tough sisal fibers and soft wool and attach leather handles. Stylish and durable, the perfect addition to any wardrobe!
Measures 14"T x 14"W at the base, and 20-22"W across the top. Due to the handmade 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!
$88.00
Rural Kamba women in Kenya hand weave these open top handbags from tough sisal fibers and soft wool and attach leather handles. Stylish and durable, the perfect addition to any wardrobe!
Measures 14"T x 14"W at the base, and 20-22"W across the top. Due to the handmade 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!
$82.00
A stylish tote for the farmer's market, picnic, or beach, these beautiful and durable shoppers are woven from thick, tough elephant grass by artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana. This roomy tote is accented by stripes of lacy weaving, and the handle is covered in braided brown leather.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.
Approximate Size: 16"T x 7"W x 19"L
Made in: Ghana
Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.