FAQs
What materials are used in the baskets?
Unlike other African Baskets, where materials differ from palm, sisal, and raffia, amongst many other natural fibres depending on geography, Ghanaian Baskets are made from Veta Vera Grass, also known as Elephant Grass. Frafra Baskets are made from sustainably sourced Veta Vera Grass that grows abundantly in central Ghana and can grow several meters high. The leather handles on our baskets come from locally bred goats. Primarily bred for their meat, the skin is not wasted but dried and used by our tanners. The colour dyes in Frafra Baskets are primarily synthetic. However, we are working on increasing the natural dyes we use. West Africa is renowned for its indigo, so our attention is on making a natural indigo at the moment.
Where are the baskets made?
Frafra Baskets are made in Bolgatanga, also known as Bolga, located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The region experiences an arid climate with a brief rainy season from April to October. Unlike some other rural areas in Ghana, lower soil fertility necessitates diversification of income sources beyond agriculture alone. In addition to farming, communities engage in activities like pottery and basket weaving, providing vital supplementary income. This diversity ensures a stable livelihood year-round.
At Frafra Baskets, we bring the expert craftsmanship of Bolgatanga's weavers to the UK. The baskets not only showcase exceptional skill and have innumerable uses but also support sustainable livelihoods. Baskets are woven in groups or within a weaver's own home and at a pace that suits family, agricultural and educational commitments.
How are the baskets made?
Frafra Baskets are handwoven, each unique in colour and pattern. Prep work, such as drying, dying, splitting, and rolling the grasses, is done collectively. However, each basket is woven by a single weaver. Weavers start at the base of a basket, carefully adding and taking away grasses to get the desired shape and pattern. Thicker edges are sometimes added to the top before the handles are made. Once the basket is fully formed, blades are used to cut the excess strands around the basket. The handles are then wrapped in leather by tanners.
Women predominantly weave basket bags and other accessories, whereas the more structured doubly woven baskets, such as dog baskets and laundry baskets, are woven by men because they require far more physical strength.
Not one basket is alike in colour and pattern, so you will have a unique basket.
What makes these baskets ethically produced?
Frafra Baskets was established in Ghana, and Ghanaian baskets is what we specialise in because it's where we all know we can ensure ethical production. We have a well-established structure in Ghana that ensures all our weavers are paid a fair wage and that working conditions are safe and comfortable. This is outlined in all our strictly upheld policies: Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy; Diversity and Inclusion Policy; Employee Health and Well-Being Policy; Modern Slavery and Child Labour Policy; and Sustainability Policy.
Are the baskets certified as sustainable or ethically produced?
Not yet; we are working on this certification and hope to have exciting news by July 2024!
What impact does purchasing these baskets have on the artisans and communities in Ghana?
Our weavers engage in activities like pottery and basket weaving, to provide a vital supplementary income to their seasonal farming. This diversity ensures a stable livelihood year-round.We work collectively to improve product quality, access to the UK and European markets and unlock higher financial returns for each community. Baskets are woven in groups or within a weaver's own home and at a pace that suits family, agricultural and educational commitments.
Beyond ensuring a fair wage, we are building indoor weaving spaces, providing wheelchairs for older weavers, an educational fund for promising students who want to attend university or teacher training, and sourcing improved colour dyes.
Can I choose a basket in person?
Yes! Visit us at the following shows:
Presents Galore, Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, from 24 – 26 November 2023.
This is always being updated, but for even more information, follow us on Instagram @frafrabaskets.
Can I customise or personalise a basket?
Yes! We work directly with our weavers, so we can make any basket you like! However, we have minimum order quantities. Please get in touch with the team at info@frafrabaskets.com or in the chat box below to discuss your basket ideas, customisation, and personalisation.
How do I clean and care for my basket?
If your basket gets dirty, just use a damp cloth to wipe it away and let it dry.
Baskets made from natural grasses can go brittle after a couple of years if they are not dampened occasionally. If it starts to go brittle, spray it with water and let it dry.
Our baskets are most likely to be shipped pressed inwards, which may result in the shape of your basket getting slightly altered. To reshape your basket:
- Sprinkle water on the entire basket.
- Straighten with your hand to get the basket back to its original shape.
- Allow the basket to dry on a flat surface, ideally in the sunshine. Never dry a basket next to a radiator or direct heat source.
I can’t choose, do you do Gift Cards?
Yes, we do! They can be found here: Frafra Baskets Gift Card.
What is the shipping process and cost?
Your order will be carefully packaged and delivered wherever is most convenient for you. Shipping fees are determined by order size, and your location. We use Royal Mail 48hr tracked delivery service or DPD Door to Door service, depending on the size of your order. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive an email with a tracking code.
Do you offer international shipping?
We ship baskets worldwide.
What is your return and exchange policy?
If you want to return or exchange your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. However, returns are not free, so postage and packaging is the customer's responsibility.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept VISA, Mastercard, Maestro, AMEX, Discover, Diners Club, Union Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Can I track my order?
Once your order is dispatched, you will receive an email with a tracking code.
What if the product arrives damaged or there's an issue with my order?
Please contact our team at info@frafrabaskets.com or through the chat box in the bottom right-hand corner and we will be happy to help.
Do you offer wholesale or bulk purchasing options?
Yes! We have a well-established wholesale side to Frafra Baskets that works with farm shops, delis, homeware and gift shops. We have also worked with large, well-known brands on exclusive baskets for their shops. Please contact our team at info@frafrabaskets.com or through the chat box in the bottom right-hand corner.
Is there a newsletter or mailing list to join for updates and promotions?
Yes, be the first to know about our sales, new baskets, and upcoming shows by signing up to our newsletter in the box at the bottom of this page. New subscribers get a 10% discount on their first order.
How can I get in touch with customer support?
Please contact our team at info@frafrabaskets.com or through the chat box in the bottom right-hand corner.
Are there any care instructions or information specific to certain types of baskets?
No, all the same for each. If your basket gets dirty, just use a damp cloth to wipe it away and let dry.
Baskets made from natural grasses can go brittle after a couple of years if they are not dampened occasionally. If it starts to go brittle, spray with water and let it dry.
Our baskets are most likely to be shipped pressed inwards, which may result in the shape of your basket getting slightly altered. To reshape your basket:
- Sprinkle water on the entire basket.
- Straighten with your hand to get the basket back to its original shape.
- Allow the basket to dry on a flat surface, ideally in the sunshine. Never dry a basket next to a radiator or direct heat source.