Weaven basket, also known as Bolga basket, is a hand-woven basket made from the straw of the vetiver grass, a perennial plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The basket is a traditional craft of the people of the Upper East Region of Ghana, especially the Frafra ethnic group, who have been weaving baskets for centuries as a source of income and livelihood. The weaven basket is not only a functional item, but also a beautiful and colorful accessory that can be used for various purposes, such as shopping, storage, decoration, and gift. The basket comes in different shapes and sizes, such as round, oval, rectangular, and fan-shaped. The basket is also decorated with various patterns and designs, such as stripes, zigzags, diamonds, and flowers, using natural and synthetic dyes.
The woven basket industry is a major employer of thousands of women and youth in the Upper East Region, who weave the baskets at home or in groups and sell them to local and international markets. The basket is a popular export product that has gained recognition and appreciation worldwide for its quality, durability, and uniqueness. The basket is also a symbol of the culture and identity of the people of the Upper East Region, who take pride in their craft and heritage.
However, the woven basket industry also faces some challenges, such as the scarcity and high cost of raw materials, the lack of access to credit and markets, the competition from cheap and mass-produced alternatives, and the environmental impact of the dyeing process. These challenges threaten the sustainability and profitability of the industry, and the livelihoods of the weavers.
Therefore, there is a need for more support and investment in the weaven basket industry, to ensure its growth and development, and to preserve its cultural and artistic value. Some of the possible interventions include:
- Promoting the cultivation and conservation of the vetiver grass in the Upper East Region, to increase the availability and affordability of the raw materials.
- Providing training and capacity building for the weavers, to improve their skills, productivity, and creativity, and to introduce them to new designs and techniques.
- Facilitating access to credit and markets for the weavers, to enable them to expand their businesses, and to reach more customers and buyers, both locally and internationally.
- Encouraging the use of natural and eco-friendly dyes, to reduce the environmental and health hazards of the synthetic dyes, and to enhance the quality and appeal of the baskets.
- Raising awareness and appreciation of the woven basket, as a unique and valuable product, and as a cultural and artistic expression of the people of the Upper East Region.
The woven basket is a remarkable craft that showcases the talent, ingenuity, and resilience of the people of the Upper East Region of Ghana. It is a product that deserves more recognition and support, as it has the potential to contribute to the economic and social development of the region and the promotion and preservation of its culture and identity. The woven basket is more than just a basket, it is a story of a people and their heritage.
