Ghana’s “City of Baskets”

By Paula Froelich

Some of the world’s most beautiful, intricate baskets are made in northwestern Ghana, not far from the Burkina Faso border.

Here, over hundreds of years, the Gurunsi people have perfected the art of twisting and entwining the tough elephant grass that grtows in the marshes and streams.

The Baba Tree Basket Co., based in the town of Bolgatanga, brings the work to an international stage. Founded by Canadian-born Gregory MacCarthy, who has spent most of the past 20 years in Ghana, the impact-focused company commissions baskets from a cooperative of more than 250 artists at fair-trade prices, and provides training for students interested in learning the technique. When a basket if sold online, the weaver receives an additional portion of the sale, up to 15% - providing a living wge while supporting the region’s cultural heritage.

The durable market hampers know as Bolga baskets are perhaps the most recognizable Gurunsi products. But it’s in the “art baskets” section of the website that you’ll fi nd the real masterpieces. Made using the proprietary Pakirigo Wave method - a technique of creating undulating waves that takes years to master - each one can occupy a weaver for up to six weeks. No two are quite the same.

As a personal touch, all of the weavers pose beside their work for the photos that appear on the website

Baskets may be viewed and purchased from the website at www.babatree. com and, of course, in person when visitng the town of Bolgatanga. www.travelandleisure.com (November 2021) Image credits: pinterest, babatree.com, attitude-mag.com