Ghana, basketry

Basketry is the main craft in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana. James Atanga has his own workshop there, where he makes traditional baskets as well as sculptural creations. His eight employees are all experts in the techniques involved in quality basketry, and are paid well above the industry average.

The elephant grass (or miscanthus) is softened for a long time by hand-rolling. It is then immersed in a dye bath, or in water for the natural colour, before being woven.  All plants regain their regular shape if wetted; the art of the best basket-makers consists in adjusting the tension of the fibre to obtain the permanent waves of the precious ‘wavy’. From a few days for small round baskets to several weeks for large sculptures, the work is considerable. Rewetted every two years, quality bolga basketry lasts for decades for utilitarian items, and much longer for decorative ones, as shown by some preserved in museums.

New: custom orders

Choose a model, choose your colours, and we'll send it to you within twelve weeks. Please note that there may be a slight inaccuracy in size. Never expose basketry to direct light, as the colours would fade.