Small Woven Storage Basket

The Wolof people of Senegal are renowned for their skill in weaving colorful baskets from locally harvested cattail stalks and strips of recycled plastic. These groups of women come together, weaving handmade baskets of various sizes and shapes, engaging in lively banter and shared laughter. Through the practice of this traditional craft, the Wolof women empower themselves and their community.

Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal, is a hub for craft markets and artisan groups, including the Wolof Women. These strong-willed and independent women are challenging patriarchal norms by becoming income earners in their households. Bonded by a mutual desire to eradicate poverty and provide better opportunities for their younger generation, the Wolof women have been preserving the coil-style basket weaving technique for generations, passing it down to their daughters and nieces.

Traditionally, baskets were woven by binding thick local grass with thin strips of palm frond. However, the palm fronds proved to be difficult to work with and hard on the weavers' hands. In a simple yet impactful change, recycled plastic ribbons were introduced to replace the palm fronds, greatly reducing the discomfort experienced during the weaving process.

Our Senegalo collection is a curated selection of these vibrant and practical Wolof baskets, bowls, and coasters. The small size storage basket, with its flat lid, measures approximately 15 inches in diameter and 19 inches in height, making it suitable for storing toys or up to four throw blankets.

Crafted from dried grass and a combination of beige and yellow recycled ribbons, each basket is uniquely hand-woven, with a traditional coil-style African weaving technique. This artisanal approach results in slight variations of up to 1.5 inches in the dimensions of each basket, adding to their charm and authenticity.

The Senegalo collection celebrates the rich cultural heritage and the empowerment of the Wolof women, who have seamlessly integrated modern materials into their time-honored craft. These baskets not only serve as practical storage solutions but also bring a touch of vibrant and authentic African design to any space.

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