About Baskets of Africa

At Baskets of Africa, are proud to offer unique baskets from throughout the African continent. These one-of-a-kind pieces of functional artwork are woven by local African craftspeople who share our commitment to quality.

Most of these weavers are women working to support themselves and their families. Our sales of handmade African baskets directly support these skilled artisans, contributing to economic development and stability in Africa.

By weaving baskets in the traditional manner, the weavers of Africa are also preserving their cultural heritage. Baskets of Africa supports this endeavor throughout Africa.

Baskets of Africa was founded in 2002. Cael Chappell started working in African art and crafts in 1991 and fell in love with the incredible artistry and creativity of African basket weavers. This led to the creation of Baskets of Africa in order to focus attention on these amazing weavers and their work. 

We always operate in an environment of mutual trust and respect with the weavers and craft co-ops we represent.

We feel that our business offers our customers a win-win situation: by purchasing one of our rare finds, you are not only getting a wonderful, handmade basket for your home or business, you are also contributing to the preservation of African culture and helping a craftsperson become financially independent. It’s a true economic partnership in every sense of the word.

Businesses and organizations we have supplied

Projects we support

Through donations or membership, Baskets of Africa donates a portion of our sales to:

African weavers

Most importantly, your purchases directly assist in the support of weavers, both women and men throughout much of Africa. The primary goal of Baskets of Africa is simply to buy as many baskets as we can in Africa in order to support as many weavers as we can on a reliable and consistent basis. In addition to purchasing baskets, we contribute to weaving groups with donations of money, training and/or material goods.

None of this would be possible without the support of all our customers. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting Baskets of Africa and the rural weavers in Africa!

National Basketry Organization

The National Basketry Organization (NBO) is an inclusive community of makers and enthusiasts whose mission is to promote awareness, inspire creativity, and foster appreciation for the heritage and artistry of basketry.

As a non-profit organization, NBO promotes fellowship, provides education and increases awareness of the breadth of basketry. Included among NBO’s members are basket-makers, educators, collectors, gallery owners, students, scholars, curators, craft and art schools as well as museums. The NBO community encompasses a continuum of makers, from those who celebrate basketry’s traditional roots to those stretching the boundaries of materials and processes in contemporary applications.

Learn more at nationalbasketry.org

Weave a Real Peace (WARP)

WARP is a catalyst for improving the quality of life of textile artisans worldwide. It is an inclusive global network of individuals and organizations who value the social, cultural, historic, artistic, and economic importance of textile arts.

Learn more at weavearealpeace.org

Fair Trade Federation

The Fair Trade Federation is a trade association of fair trade enterprises fully committed to equitable and sustainable trading partnerships. We strengthen and support our members in order to grow the global movement of trade that values the health of the planet, and the labor, dignity, and equality of all people.

Learn more about Fair Trade

Green America

Green America’s mission is to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.

Learn more at greenamerica.org