Ugandan storage baskets

Description

These grass-woven baskets have been handmade by a group of women in a rural community bordering Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda.

Approximate size

Mini: 16 – 18cm high (including lid) , 8-10cm diameter at base
Small: 19 – 21 cm high (including lid) , 10-12cm diameter at base
Medium: 23- 25cm high (including lid), 15-16cm diameter at base
Large: 29-32cm high (including lid), 17-20cm diameter at base
Extra Large! – 45-55cm high (including lid) and 22-25cm at base

Natural and sustainable dyes

All of the colours that you see in these baskets are made naturally using traditional knowledge of herbs.

Two different grasses are used, one to give structure and one for the amazingly detailed design.

The result is these amazing and practical baskets and pots that would add style equally to a dressing table, bookshelf or side table.

“Beautiful things should belong to beautiful souls.” Muriel Barbery 

These ethnic African baskets are beautiful, ethical, and perfect for art lovers. So, make sure to buy one (or more!) if you want something special for your home or a charming gift for your loved ones.

As all baskets are handmade, please expect some differences in sizing and patterns. 

Fair trade benefits to artisans

Most of the baskets that we have are woven by a lady called Topista. She is 74 years young and a mother and a grandmother. Each basket typically takes her 4 days to complete between other household tasks (the average Ugandan woman spends 9 hours a day on household tasks). Last year the extra income she generated helped cover the family medical bills and even employ extra help so that she could focus more of her time on weaving!

About Bwindi Handmade Crafts

The founders of Bwindi Handicrafts spent two years working for a small NGO in Uganda. While working on sustainability projects, they developed a deep connection with the country, its culture, and its people. They are continuing to develop and promote these connections by opening opportunities for their partners to sell their crafts.

Their inspiration comes from the strength and determination of the women that they work with.

How your purchase can make a difference 

Uganda is one of the poorest nations in the world. In 2012, 37.8 percent of the population lived on less than $1.25 a day. Despite enormous progress in recent years, poverty remains deep-rooted in the country’s rural areas, where 84 percent of Ugandans live.

Bwindi Handmade Crafts is committed to promoting and empowering the groups that they work with so that they have a secure and sustainable source of income. By buying one of these baskets you are playing an important part in ensuring that this happens.

How these baskets are made

These craft items have been made by a small group of Batwa women who live on the borders of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South West Uganda. The Batwa people traditionally lived off the forest’s resources until it was made a conservation area in the early 90’s and they were forced to leave the forest and survive outside. These women use their knowledge of herbs to make natural dyes for the grasses, and the traditional weaving skills have been passed down from mother to daughter for generations.

The baskets are made from two types of grass – a thicker stronger grass for the structure and the thinner more pliable one for weaving it together and creating the beautiful patterns that you see.

Care

Our baskets are sturdy, strong, and flexible, made to withstand constant use. If properly cared for, your basket will live a long life.

Dust your woven basket on a regular basis, wiping with a damp cloth if necessary. No other cleaning should be necessary.

Changes in temperature and humidity may cause your basket to expand and contract, which may make securing the lid difficult at times. Be patient and wait for the weather to change or remove from areas with high humidity (like bathrooms).