March 12 – Accra, Ghana
Humidity: Operatic. Air: Fried plantain and possibility.
The children ran barefoot across Makola Market like joy had legs. A woman with arms like river gods held up a perfect pyramid of tomatoes, daring gravity to interrupt her. And beside her stall, in a humble pile, sat the Bolga baskets—quiet, handwoven things that do not shout for attention, but know their purpose and hold it with pride.
I picked one up. Round, firm, stubborn in its structure. No different from the one my grandmother had. Elephant grass and leather handle, woven with the logic of patient hands. Each line a story. Each knot a decision made and lived with.
And I thought: this is what I need in my mind.
Everyone I meet here is smiling. Here they don't know me. At home, everyone wants something. An endorsement. A contract. A war. A pardon. They come cloaked in flattery, but they all carry scissors. I am the rope they want to cut.
If I were a lesser man, I could act. Swift vengeance. Clean endings. But vengeance does not settle debts—it breeds new ones.
So today, I bought a Bolga basket. Not for carrying yams, but for carrying what must not be said.
I will keep it in my mind.
A place for the insults I swallow. The betrayals I notice. The manipulations that masquerade as advice. All of it, tossed gently into the basket. No need to carry these things in my hands. I am not here to be ruled by resentment. I am here to rule with reason.
Later, I walked down Oxford Street. The air was thick with charcoal smoke and sugared popcorn. Someone grilled tilapia in an oil drum while a preacher shouted about the End Times from a cracked megaphone. The world was beautiful and unbearable.
I clutched my basket. It held.
THE MENTAL BOLGA BASKET
Handwoven in Northern Ghana. For holding fruit, firewood, or the festering thoughts you cannot afford to act on. Made from elephant grass and self-discipline.
Not everyone has a throne, but everyone needs a place to put what they must not carry.
Add Texture and an earthy tone to your living space with these handcrafted laundry / storage baskets. Whether you need to tidy up the kids toys, laundry or books, you can find plenty of use for these multi purpose handwoven baskets.
Made from 100% Elephant Grass
Made In Ghana
How much is shipping?
We offer free delivery on all orders.
How long are your shipping times?
We process orders within 2 – 3 business days. This includes production and packaging. Shipments go out Monday to Friday.
Orders take 5 - 7 business days to be delivered to you after we have processed your order.
Do you ship worldwide?
No, currently we only ship to the United States. We aim to ship internationally very soon!
Do you offer returns?
We offer a no hassle 30-days return policy.