Handmade Sisal Baskets (Various Patterns & Sizes)

These unique baskets are made out of sisal, which is grown either on farms belonging to the basket weavers, or else purchased from sisal estates. Sisal is an exceptionally durable and strong material, and grows well in harsh Kenyan climates.

The Taita ladies from the Kasigau Weaver’s Group dye the fibres themselves and then roll the twine on their lap. Making baskets is a very labour intensive art. The baskets come in a number of different colours and patterns, with each design entirely made up by these artistic Taita ladies!

Hadithi started working with 350 weavers in 2013, and has expanded by 2019 to over 1000 weavers in the area. We visit each group every two months and purchase the baskets on the spot. These meetings are also a great opportunity to chat with the groups and discover some of their needs.

Caring for your basket:

Sisal is famous for being an extremely strong and hardy material; it is resilient even to salt water! However, care should be taken when exposing your basket to full sunlight, since this will cause the colours to fade. Whilst a splash of water will not harm these baskets, drying your basket out if it is made wet is recommended. Sisal is a natural product, and if it remains damp for a long period it can go mouldy. If you use your basket as a plant pot therefore, lining it with a water proof bag is advisable.