The African baskets with their unique art and patterns, listed in the catalogue pages are in stock. They are actual baskets in our inventory, therefore there is no back-order or sample photos. Some designs are for gallery display and some have great uses as fruit baskets. In the rare event of low stock of a traditional design or shape you need, the item on the catalogue page will indicate this is a "sample only". As the baskets are handwoven, they are one of a kind and it would be difficult to duplicate any particular design or color. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Each basket is woven by a woman who belongs to groups of weavers, as a way to provide income for the family. To be able to purchase on agreement, the women are left more time in their villages to tend to families, but are also able to benefit from an increased and steady income. This income assists in providing their children with opportunities to attend school.

Little girls from a very young age learn from their mothers and grandmothers, the art of basket weaving, which also includes the harvesting of the grass and the process of dyeing grasses with the natural materials at hand.
The Zulu baskets are woven from Ilala Palm (Hyphaene coriacea) and baskets from Ghana and Rwanda are woven from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Baskets from Uganda are woven Elephant grass and palm leaves. The baskets have been approved for import by the US Department of Agriculture.

Telephone wire baskets from South Africa are predominantly woven by the men, and used to be called "watchmen baskets" coming from the habit of the night-watchmen weaving the baskets from surplus telephone wire, while they were on duty. They have developed into some extraordinary designed items with the more intricate pattern and shapes commanding higher prices.