Posted 8 years ago
Susmac
(1 item)
Belonged to my grandmother. Possibly aquired in 1920? She came by wagon train to Colorado around 1912. I saw knitting items in this basket when she was in her 80's
Basket | ||
| alliececile's loves84 of 116 |  |  |
Basket | ||
| alliececile's loves84 of 116 | | |
Posted 8 years ago
Susmac
(1 item)
Belonged to my grandmother. Possibly aquired in 1920? She came by wagon train to Colorado around 1912. I saw knitting items in this basket when she was in her 80's
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The basket was most likely a recent gift or purchase when your grandmother was using it in her 80s. It doesn't date earlier than the 1970s.
It is African, from the Bolgatanga region of Ghana. Commonly sold as "Bolga market baskets," they are probably the most common African export basket on the market today, and have been popular for years, since they are versatile and durable. They are made from kinkanhe (commonly called elephant grass.)
The unique handle design, with the decorative loops, is a positive identifying feature. Newer ones often have a wrapping of goat leather on the handle between the loops, making them even more durable.
Just do a web search for "Bolga market basket" to confirm.