Basket Weaving In Different African Countries

Basket weaving is an old tradition that can be found in different African countries. It is a welll respected skill that is handed down from one generation to the next. Each basket is unique in its style so you will never get two baskets that are identical. Basket weaving is mostly practiced by women in rural communities as a source of income. It always amazes me how their skilfully hands turn simple grass into strong sturdy baskets that are able to store food and clothing. 

Here are a few baskets take can be found in different African countries and a videos showing you the process to make some of them.

Bolga Baskets, Ghana

http://www.theworldlovefoundation.org We came across this village on our way to Timbuktu. While walking through Bolgatanga in the north east region of Ghana we met Rashed. We took us to this village to see the Bolgatanga Baskets being made. How did we know it would start a lifelong friendship with him and this village?

Coil Baskets, Senegal

Young boys gather round to watch Wolof women weave Senegalese hampers and baskets, such as those found at: http://www.swahilimodern.com/collections/baskets Central to the video is Max, our ground person. Max is friendly, knowledgeable, and fair. We are grateful to work with Max and these talented ladies!

Binga Baskets, Zimbabwe 

Rwenzori Baskets, Uganda

In western Uganda, more than 200 women dubbed the Rubona Basket Weavers Association are using naturally dyed raffia to make baskets of all shapes and sizes. The baskets are then sold to international markets. VOA's Paul Ndiho reports.

Zulu Baskets, South Africa

Ilala Weavers makes Traditional Zulu baskets using Fair Trade Practices. Each basket is hand woven. Larger baskets may take up to two months to create. Available from Memory Cross: http://store.memorycross.com/products-s/1865.htm In this age of modern technology and mass production, it is a joy to see and feel the dignified elegance and beauty of a rich Zulu heritage that has become a collectable art-form, preserving an age-old tradition proudly safeguarded and handed down through the generations.

Bantu Baskets, Somalia