Bolga Fan – Flight

handwoven Bolga fans

Hand fans have long been part of ceremony in Ghana.
Early visitors to the Asante royal court saw fans of ostrich feathers carried in processions, and fan carriers still sit near the king at festivals today. Bolga fans are woven far to the north by Frafra weavers in Bolgatanga, from elephant grass.

FAQs

How do I hang a Bolga fan on the wall?
Bolga fans come with a hanging loop, so a single nail or picture hook is enough.
They are lightweight, so you can hang a few together as a group without heavy-duty fixings. A spot out of strong direct sun keeps the colours at their brightest for longest.

Is there a fan that folds flat for my bag?
A woven Bolga fan keeps its shape, so it hangs neatly on the wall and holds up to regular fanning.
For a fan that slips into a handbag for a holiday, picnic, or a summer festival, fabric fans are made from African cotton print fabric and close flat.

What’s the difference between leather and vegan Bolga fans?
Vegan Bolga fans have a handle woven from elephant grass, and leather fans have the handle wrapped in leather cut from offcuts. Both are woven from the same elephant grass by Frafra weavers in Bolgatanga.