Ghana Market Baskets

Ghana Market Baskets Make Great Summer Totes!

Many of us depend on a roomy tote bag to carry the go-to items we use on a daily basis – including a wallet, sunglasses, cell phone, etc. – and the authentic Ghana market baskets available on our website are this summer’s perfect “carry-all.” Woven from native African grasses into colorful and unique designs, the handmade baskets are attractive, durable and perfect for trips to the beach, the market, picnics, and even as a stylish storage space for toys and magazines in the home. Not only are the genuine African baskets handmade and one-of-a-kind, but they are incredibly strong and come in handy for a variety of uses. The baskets are also fair trade items, which means a percentage of the proceeds from the basket sales goes towards providing healthcare, community buildings and school fees for the weavers and their families in Ghana.

How the Ghana Market Baskets are Made

Also known as Bolga baskets, the unique Ghana market baskets are handwoven by artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana, West Africa, and are traditionally used for carrying goods to and from the market. Bolgatanga is known as the crafts center of Northern Ghana, and weaving has been, for many generations, a traditional skill of the indigenous Gurune, or Frafra, people. Because the soil in that particular region of Ghana is not fertile enough for agricultural activities to flourish, basket weaving, pottery and leather work is often undertaken by the people of Bolgatanga to supplement their incomes. The Ghana market baskets are crafted using native veta vera grasses, which, when woven together, create an incredibly strong, useful product that is made to last. The baskets are particularly useful for toting fresh produce, because they are forgiving to fruits and vegetables that can be easily bruised.

Find the Perfect African Market Basket

Here at The Sheepherder, we have three different sizes of Ghana market baskets available – an oval tote basket that measures about 7” wide and 17” long, a round market basket that measures about 14-16” in diameter, and a mini basket that measures between 8” and 9” in diameter. Over time, the fair trade baskets may become misshapen from frequent use, but can be easily reshaped by soaking them in cold water for a few minutes and reforming them with the flat of your hand. Each African market basket features a unique color scheme and attractive handles wrapped in leather so the basket is more comfortable to carry. If you have a specific preference for size or color, we will do our best to accommodate the request as closely as possible. With a variety of size and color options, you’re sure to find the Ghana market basket that suits your individual needs!