Baskets

These beautiful baskets are made in the remote Binga district of northern Zimbabwe - home to the displaced Tonga people. Today, many Tonga women utilize traditional weaving techniques to create intricately patterned baskets. Tonga baskets are woven using the over and under style of weaving and a 16 inch diameter basket can take around 2 weeks to complete. The baskets are finished using a coiled rim with a distinctive herringbone pattern.

Each basket will vary in design.

Known as "U-Shoppers" in Ghana, their distinctive "U" shape is formed by the flared top edge that creates more room inside each basket. Every mini tote has 2 leather-wrapped handles that come together over the top for easy carrying. The color of the leather may vary. Every piece is unique and different. Approximately the size of a lunchbox, mini totes are ideal for use as a purse, small shopping bag, or a stylish way to carry everyday essentials. Basket Dimensions: 8”-10” long, 6”-8” wide, 8”-10” tall (excluding handles) 

This natural kinkaloo basket feature a design based on a traditional purse carried by shepherds in Ghana. They have a unique pear shape, an attached yet movable lid, and a twisted leather shoulder strap. The color of the leather may vary. This version of kinkaloo basket is woven in all natural (undyed) grass. The natural grass is variegated, which creates unique beauty in every basket. Kinkaloo baskets are great for use as an everyday purse and super popular for foraging. Basket Dimensions: 6″- 9″ diameter (at widest part of the bell shape) top rim diameter 4″-5″ x 5″- 8″ tall (excluding straps) 

This basket version of the large oval shape features a design woven exclusively from navy blue and natural (undyed) grass.  The shade of blue may vary between baskets. Two leather-wrapped handles meet at the top for easy, comfortable carrying. The leather color may vary. With their wide, flat bottom, these baskets offer excellent stability, making them ideal for grocery shopping, organizing essentials in your car or home, or carrying items to a picnic. Basket Dimensions: 16″- 20″ long x 8″- 10″ wide x 10″- 12″ tall (excluding handles)

The tapered design of this basket style adds a touch of elegance. This version of our V-shaped oval is woven exclusively from natural (undyed) and navy-blue grass.  The shade of blue may vary between baskets.. Each tote is equipped with two leather-wrapped handles that meet over the top for easy carrying. The color of the leather may vary. V-shape Ovals offer a stylish way to hit the farmers market or carry everyday essentials. Basket Dimensions: 15″- 18″ long x 8″- 10″ wide x 12″- 14″ tall (excluding handles) 

African Bolga Baskets : Navy/Natural Tote w/Flexible Rim This navy/natural shopping tote with flexible rims are a stylish twist on one of our best-selling basket styles, the colorful patterned tote This version combines navy-blue and natural (undyed) grass for a striking yet classic look. The shade of blue may vary between baskets. Known as "U-Shoppers" in Ghana, their distinctive "U" shape is formed by the flared top edge that creates more room inside each basket. Each tote is equipped with two leather-wrapped handles that meet over the top for easy carrying.

African Bolga Baskets : These baskets are woven exclusively in all natural (undyed) grass. The natural grass is variegated which creates a unique look in every basket. These shallow trays are perfect for holding produce or baked goods in the kitchen, organizing keys and mail on an entry table, or serving as beautiful wall decoration.

Basket Dimensions: 11″- 14″ diameter x 2″- 4″ deep 

This natural double weave oval basket is a spacious carry-all baskets. The leather-wrapped handles are long enough to be comfortably carried over your shoulder or in the crook of your elbow. The color of the leather may vary. This version of the double weave oval is woven in all natural (undyed) grass. The natural grass is variegated, which creates unique beauty in every basket. The term “double weave” refers to a technique where weavers use twice as many vertical fibers compared to a “single weave” basket. This weaving style creates a more flexible basket body compared to the slightly stiffer shape of the natural single-weave large oval. Double weave ovals are great for shopping or a day at the beach. Basket Dimensions: 19″- 21″ long x 9″- 10″ wide x 10″ tall (excluding handles)

These baskets are a classic Tonga style made in the remote Binga district in Zimbabwe, home of the Balonga people and the Businiwa Community. They are the master weavers of these amazingly beautiful baskets. Following ancient traditions, women still use small vines, wild grasses and ilala palm leaves to weave these intricate patterns. Originally used for winnowing maize in rural areas, this collection of baskets will add a beautiful and functional handmade piece to your home.