This Bolga basket is hand-woven from elephant grass which grows in the rich flood plains of the White Volta, near the village of Bolgatanga, Northern Ghana.
It is equipped with a durable leather handle and is perfect for taking on foraging adventures, storage for treasures, a dolls bed or even a little shopping cart. It is one of those behind the scenes items that will be used all the time without even thinking about it.
The basket is available in two sizes:
Small - Approximately 18 - 22cm diameter
Medium - Approximately 28 - 32cm diameter
As the baskets are handmade, diameter will vary within these specifications.
The basket is shipped flat and is fully malleable and easy to reshape by simply immersing it in water for a few minutes and adjusting it while wet.
How to shape:
Soak the basket.
This can be done in the sink, bath or under the shower.
Work the reed.
The reed becomes malleable when soaked. Work them gently and start forming the basket into the shape you desire. We find that a round and symmetrical finish looks the best.
Leave it to dry.
Once you’re happy with the shape simply leave it to dry, preferably somewhere with decent drainage so that water doesn’t pool underneath (which will slow down the drying process).