Alaffia Hand Woven Grass Basket – Shoulder Bag

Our shoulder baskets are used traditionally in West Africa to hold coins awarded to ceremonial dancers. Created in in Bolgatanga, Ghana in 12 villages with more than 5,000 women basket weavers, the Alaffia weavers work independently in a creative process. Alaffia places an order and pays 90% of the cost of the basket upfront. Members of Alaffia basket cooperatives receive fair wages and health care for their families in return for indigenous skills and knowledge. The weavers craft the baskets in their own homes, and Alaffia collects the baskets once they are completed. This gives the weaver flexibility to work at a pace that is convenient for her, her farm, family and social community duties. Because Alaffia collects the baskets at the weavers’ homes, the women do not have to sell their baskets at the open market as is the case for weavers that are not part of the Alaffia Collectives. This exchange empowers West African communities and preserves cultural heritage.

Each basket is completely unique and the leather tag inside is personally signed by weaver. Made with wild-harvested Savannah grass.

***Please note that given the unique handcrafted nature of each basket, there are no two alike. Colors and patterns will vary.***