Handwoven Storage Basket with Hooded Lid (Rainbow)

The Wolof people in Senegal are known for their colorful basket weaving, using locally harvested cattail stalks and strips of plastic. The handmade baskets come in different sizes and shapes and are woven with care and skill. These Wolof women are empowering themselves and their tribe through the practice of this traditional craft. In Dakar, the capital of Senegal, many craft markets and artisan groups like the Wolof Women can be found. These women are strong-willed and independent, challenging patriarchal norms by becoming income earners in their households. They come together with a mutual interest in eradicating poverty and providing better opportunities for the younger generation.

The coil style of basket weaving has been passed down through generations in Senegal, and the Wolof women have preserved this technique by teaching it to their daughters and nieces. Traditionally, baskets were woven using thick local grass and thin strips of palm frond, which was difficult to work with and hard on the weavers' hands. To alleviate this, recycled plastic ribbons were introduced as a replacement for the palm fronds, making the weaving process more comfortable and sustainable.

Our Senegalo collection is a curated assortment of colorful baskets, bowls, and coasters that are both decorative and practical. The large size storage basket, with a hooded lid, is approximately 18" in diameter, 22" without the hood, and 30" in height with the hood. It is woven from dried grass and a combination of white and colorful recycled plastic ribbons. Each basket is handwoven, and there might be slight variations in dimensions, adding to its unique charm.

These handwoven baskets can be used for storing laundry, toys, or up to 8 throw blankets. They are not only beautiful and functional but also represent the rich tradition and craftsmanship of the Wolof women in Senegal. By purchasing these baskets, you are not only supporting these women and their families but also preserving a traditional craft that has been passed down through generations. Made in Senegal, Africa, each basket carries with it the pride and skill of the Wolof women who created it.

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