Our beautiful baskets are hand-woven in small villages of Ghana, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. They are woven out of renewable resources, including banana leaf and elephant grass, which grow abundantly in the region. The leather is treated using an all-natural process (either dyed and oiled or painted) in larger cities. Because each basket is hand woven, each is 100% unique! Variations are to be expected and treasured. Baskets are sturdy, strong, and flexible. If properly cared for, your basket will live a long life. 

This is the X-Large Market Basket, measuring approx 15 inches across and 9-10" deep.  The basket is washable and collapsible.  Each one is uniquely hand woven.

• No two baskets are identical. Color schemes will vary and may contain a bright pop of color. 
• Baskets are shipped flat and require reshaping. Completely wet the basket in your bathtub or a large utility sink. Once it is saturated, shape it, putting something heavy in it to hold the shape you want, and let it dry. 

The Story Behind the Art:

The Gitzelli artisans work in Kenya and Ghana to weave beautiful, traditional baskets in many designs and colors.  Artisans live in low income areas and make their living off selling their crafts or taking daily temporary labor for minimum wage.  In Kenya, the artisans come from wide parts of the country. Most weavers come from the Eastern region where the climate is dry and conducive to the production of the sisal -- this is their main source of income.  In Central Kenya, most artisans have small pieces of land where they practice subsistence farming.  They subsidize their income through weaving products with banana leaf.  Gitzelli Imports has helped connect these artisans to bigger markets and enhance their low income.