Ghana, West Africa

Creation Process

• Veta vera straw, known locally as kinkahe, is collected from the tops of the grass stalk, then each piece is split in half vertically.

• Each half of the split straw is then twisted tightly by rolling it back together to give it strength.

• The straw is put in bunches and dyed in boiling water. For bright colors the straw is dyed yellow first, then the color.

• The weaver carefully selects appropriate straw for the base, sides and handle. The selection of the proper grass for various parts of the basket is critical to good weaving.

• Weaving starts at the base and works up to the rim. The rims are generally finished flat, or wrapped with straw to form a tube like edge.

• There are a variety of different handles, but all are made with a sturdy wrapping technique around a grass core.

• Remaining bits of straw that are sticking out of the basket are carefully trimmed off.

• Leather handles are skillfully applied by local leather workers.

• A medium basket takes about 3 days. Some shapes and patterns are more difficult to weave and take longer.