Lying in the Red Volta River Valley of North Ghana is the colourful town of Bolgatana. Commonly known as Bolga, this district capital is one of Ghana’s famous market cities renowned for its beautiful handicrafts – crowned as the crafts centre of Ghana’s Upper East region. Its larger-than-life central market is where you can find one-of-a-kind Bolga baskets, hats and fans, among beautiful leather goods, jewellery and indigenous clothing.
We aim to share this wonderful creative culture with the Australian public. Our Bolga products are sourced directly from the locals of Bolgatana, who create our wonderful baskets, bags, hats, fans and more. Woven into each of these unique products are stories of the land, the town and of the people themselves.
African MARKET BASKET In many African cultures, the term ‘Bashiri’ holds deep significance, embodying the spirit of generosity and communal ties. Rooted in Swahili, Bashiri signifies a thoughtful gesture, often expressed through the exchange of meaningful gifts. This tradition goes beyond material exchange; it symbolizes the bonds that connect individuals and communities. A gift of…
The weaving process Generations of women in the Bolgatanga region of Northern Ghana gather underneath a lush mango tree, singing, dancing, and laughing as they weave. The baskets they weave are woven with the sustainable elephant grass that is harvested, dried, and boiled to then dye with radiant colours. The weavers split each length of grass into two,…
ON THE NEXT DAY OF CHRISTMAS..GIFT A BOLGA FAN On the Days of Christmas, gift a bolga fan and unwrap a unique and sustainable delight – a masterpiece handmade in Ghana, Africa. Crafted with care, these fans are not just accessories; they’re a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and eco-conscious living. Sustainable Elegance Made from elephant…
We have a large new range of textiles in stock, including traditional mudcloth and brand new indigo cotton. A softer alternative to mudcloth, indigo cotton is prized in West Africa and has become a global favourite among creators and consumers alike. Shop our range of textiles here
ON THE NEXT DAY OF CHRISTMAS..GIFT A PET BASKET! Celebrate on the Days of Christmas with a heartwarming and sustainable gift – a woven pet basket, meticulously handmade in Ghana, Africa. Crafted with love and care, these pet baskets are more than just cozy retreats for furry friends; they embody a commitment to sustainability and…
Documentary photographer and filmmaker Sélim Harbi, is passionate about the African continent, its history and cultures. He is the co-founder of Afreekyama; a pan-african photojournalism and multimedia storytelling collective. In 2014 he spent nine months working on his photo series: ‘Woongo, Behind the Masks.’ Woongo is the term used for “masks” in the Mooré language, spoken…