The baba tree
The Baba Tree Basket Co has been preserving the culture of baskets and the Gurunsi community in Bolgatanga for the last 15 years. It’s here that an exquisitely woven Baba Tree community of over 250 artisans practice a time-honoured weaving technique using elephant grass and their very own “rhythm and flow”. Each basket comes direct from the hands of the artisan weavers we collaborate with - energetic, colourful, purposeful. Each luscious curve is the handprint or signature of the weaver who has expertly handcrafted your basket, we celebrate the unique differences in each and every piece.
Founder Gregory MacCarthy started weaving stories with baskets a few years after he first took steps in Ghana in 1999 with the significant understanding that good design can and will change people’s lives. Baba Tree baskets is the initiatives ongoing commitment to the artisan weavers they collaborate with through the progressive creation of sustainable jobs, fair and meaningful work and true social impact in the local community.
“Honouring local basket traditions and creating exciting forms with the oldest craft in the world is what we do best” - Baba Tree
New patterns, techniques and dye materials emerge over time as the artisans continue to innovate, evolve and understand better the elephant grass they so exquisitely weave by hand. Evolution of their products are never rushed to market, but slowly developed to be useful, beautiful and ethical.
Baba Tree’s design and development team work closely with Master Weavers to ensure the authenticity and quality of all basketry. Weekly workshops, skills training and the weavers own enthusiasm and innovation enable their basket mastery to be celebrated and sold all over the globe.
Alongside the exclusive designs available via their online store and through global retailers, Baba Tree Baskets are also found in several establishment, including Koskela, AS’ART, The Conran Store, Couleur Locale and Goodee. The initiative is also collaborating with brands with purpose, interior designers, art galleries and hoteliers to create an exclusive collection with custom colourways and bespoke shapes.
