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Authentic Bolga Baskets

Hand Woven in Bolgatanga, Ghana

The Creative Process

The straw used to weave Authentic Bolga Baskets is very straight, hard and cylindrical when it is harvested. It is split in two revealing the soft foam-like core that gives Bolga Baskets their flexibility. The two pieces are then twisted to cover the core, twisted around each other, and secured. It is this twisting which gives the straw its strength. It is then dyed and dried.

Depending on the type of basket being woven the weaver will decide whether or not to separate the twisted together pieces of straw for weaving. They are separated for double-weave styles like Classic and Mini Bolga Baskets. This allows for smaller “stitches” and more intricate design. The twisted straw is left together for single-weave designs like Fruit, Bread and Market Bolga Baskets.

Expert Design

Apart from the goat leather handles on some, Bolga Baskets are made entirely from straw. There are no armatures, wires, staples, glue or any other material used. Their beauty, strength, and durability come from the weavers’ expert design and many generations of experience.