Bolga Pot Basket – Manta

Meet our weaver: 
Ayama Atambiri

“My parents couldn’t afford to send me to school or provide the materials I needed for education.
After I got married, I learned to weave baskets from my mother-in-law. It became my livelihood.

A man from another village would visit every two days to teach us how to fasten handles and complete our baskets in time for market day.
Since he could only come at night, we had to weave late into the evening.
To keep ourselves entertained, we would turn on the only radio we had, to tune to a station playing Fra-Fra music.

I still do this today, listen to music while I weave.
Back then, we worked outdoors, lit by a kerosene lamp, as there was no electricity in our area.
My mother-in-law was my inspiration; her encouragement motivated me to master the craft, which is now my sole source of income.
I’m proud to call myself an expert in weaving pot baskets.

This work allows me to support myself and my children, who are happily receiving an education funded by my weaving.
I’ve also taught many others how to weave, including my children.
One of my students even made a beautiful shoulder bag for me as a token of appreciation.
It made me so happy, and I still use the bag!”