African basket - Yikene basket - Bolga basket - buy Yikene basket shopper - farmers market basket - fairly traded basket - Tan red and blue

These beautiful baskets are handmade by weavers in the Upper East region of Ghana, West Africa, called Bolgatanga. There are several small villages around the Bolgatanga region that host these skilled artisans in small and large groups.

Perfect for the farmers market, to store towels next to the pool or bathroom, your kid's toys, knitting projects, magazines, books, fabrics, yarn, you name it. Take it on a picnic or a day buy at the beach. Simply beautiful and very esthetical to organize items.

Dimensions of these baskets vary since they are handmade they are not all identical. They measure approx. 16" to 18" wide by 10" to 12" high.

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Basket weaving has been taking place in this region for many decades as a traditional family art passed down through many generations.
The weavers who create these baskets are mainly farmers. They often use their weaving income to send their children to school.
Harvesting the center stalk of the tall Kinkahe grass, which quickly replenishes itself with new growth, results in a sustainable straw for the future. After the collection and dying of the grass the weaving of a basket can take from four to twenty hours to complete depending on the model and the weaver. Non toxic dies are used to color the grass.
By buying this basket you will help a family in Ghana build a better tomorrow!
Baskets are fairly traded.

If you need to "reshape" your basket, gently mist with water and reshape by hand, then allow to dry. Keep the handle dry.