Wolof women in Senegal weave this colorful storage container by binding cattail stalks with strips of plastic recycled from prayer mats or purchased new at the mat factory in Dakar. The result is a useful piece of handcrafted decorative art that brings together natural materials, traditional weaving methods and modern recycled materials in a fun and whimsical way.

• Fair Trade | Heritage Handcraft
• Approximately 8.5"L x 8.5"W x 8.5"H
• Made in Senegal 

ORIGIN: This coil style of basket weaving has been practiced in Senegal for generations. Traditionally, Wolof women created baskets by binding stalks of cattail grass, a thick local grass, with long strips of reed. Though reed strips could be harvested locally, they were very hard on the hands of the weavers. About 20 years ago, an idea revolutionized Wolof basket weaving. A factory in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, creates mats using plastic strips that strongly resemble the reed strips. Using the plastic strips to replace the sharp natural material, conditions for the weavers drastically improved and the baskets began to burst into vibrant colors.

WHY BUY: Perfect for small storage, these modern African baskets work both as functional storage and an accent of handcrafted decor.