These gorgeous, ethical basket bags are inspired by tribal patterns and traditional Kenyan colourways. Each basket is hand woven by members of the Kamba tribe in Kenya. Each basket bag takes up to four days to complete before being sent to a local leather works to be fitted with beautifully supple cowhide straps. This buttery-soft leather used is a by-product of the food industry, otherwise destined for landfill.

These basket bags are made from wool from second hand jumpers, woven around local sisal grass. The weavers regularly visit the ‘gikombas’ (clothes markets) to select and purchase colorful woolen jumpers, which are washed and unravelled at home into separate balls of colored wool – and then woven.

The gift of basketry is one that transcends the generations, passed from grandmothers to mothers to daughters all over Kenya. In producing and selling our basket bags, the women of this cooperative are empowered to support their families with this reliable additional income – and work that is fair, creative and flexible.

The Basket Room works with a Community Based Organization (CBO) which represents these women’s groups, and all profits made by the CBO through basket sales are used to support these groups.  Meet the weavers HERE.

Totes measure approximately 15.75" wide x 12" tall with 20-24" straps.

The Basket Room creates beautiful collections of handwoven, decorative storage baskets for the home. Woven with stunning colors  and truly unique patterns, they work with small craft collectives in Africa to bring us ethical, stylish accessories with a story.