Ghana, crafted traditions
Accra Ghana's capital is known globally for it's thriving art scene, but when you leave the capital you discover that Ghana also has an incredible craft tradition, with handwoven and printed textiles, fine basketry, moulded brass, glass jewellery and fine woodwork. In our collections we showcase some of these beautiful artisanal crafts.
Our partnerships are precious, and our aim is to encourage them, to keep their traditions alive by.
Kente weaving is now recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Find out more
Our basket weaving partners are now officially part of the World Fair Trade Association.
Introducing our Prtisan partners below:
Basketry in Bolgatanga
Asige are a charitable organisation working mainly with one large Village Association called Sumbrungo. Here 60 weavers have honed their art and create our lamp structures and basketry items. The Straw is split, twisted, hand dyed and skilfully woven.
In November 2024 they were officially awarded the World Fair Trade accreditation.
The Village Cooperatives are imperative to keeping the village alive. Since we started working with Sumbrungo in 2020 young people have stopped leaving the village and many have returned. Weaving gives an honest wage and keeps this community thriving. Alongside the fair pay structure and guaranteed work, our partners Asige also work on educational and healthcare initiatives. For example, they make sanitary protection and donate to local girls and have educated and equipped a group of local girls in weaving and sewing so they can independently make a living.
Kente Weaving in Ho
Kente is a Ghanaian luxury fabric and Thompson (photo below 2nd to right) is a Master weaver. Base in Ho in the beautiful Volta Region, Thompson is head of the Weaving Association and he, along with his team, create intricate woven masterpieces from fine cotton threads.
In 2024 Mr Thompson was part of the official committee who got Kente Weaving recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Impact?
Keeping this historical weaving traditions alive is very important. We work with Thompson to harness some older techniques that he then teaches to younger weavers. His work is partly a craft business and partly as a custodian a true master of Kente techniques.
Mr Nortey in Kumasi
The lost wax technique is universally used to create intricate moulds. In Kumasi, Mr Nortey and his team create these beautiful wax moulds for each individual piece. Recycled brass is poured into the mould and wonderful brass objects are brought to life.
Impact?
The handmade brass tradition employs local men in Kumasi and gives them a regular income. It also keeps this ancient tradition alive. This collaboration is new so we hope to be more ambitious with our developments as time goes by.
