One of the most common questions we get asked is which is the most versatile bag out of our top selling Market Basket, Tote Bags and Kalahari Carry Bags?
Each one is, of course, beautifully constructed, a unique piece of Africa artisan talent! But this makes it awfully hard to choose between them all.
All three woven bags are roughly the same size so are all very versatile and can be used for many purposes. The most obvious being a plastic free and sustainable alternative to the horrid shopping bags. A woven basket is the quintessential accompaniment to your farmer's market shopping trips.
Each woven bag is also great for taking to the beach, not only due to the size, they easily hold all of your beach day trip necessities but they can easily be washed to rid them of sand. Similarly, they are all great bags for taking on a picnic.
A market basket or tote bag could also be used creatively as a planter in the home.
The easiest solution would be to grab one of each! But we don't like to encourage overconsumption so if you had to choose one, I suppose it comes down to design preference.
The market baskets have a unique "U" like shape and come in lovely bright coloured patterns or you can opt for a more neutral open weave basket with various leather handle options. The handles on the market baskets are longer in comparison to the tote bag but not quite as long as the Kalahari bag. The market basket can be worn over the shoulder. The handles are very durable as its leather wrapped over the straw woven handle - they will without a doubt last a lifetime.
The Kalahari carry bags are woven with a softer texture and thin leather handles. While the Kalahari bags are also high quality, the handles are thinner and so may not ware as well over time in comparison to the tote and market basket. It's very much a every day throw over the shoulder and go kinda bag.
The Tote Bag is comparable in size to the market and kalahari bags and also holds a great deal. We currently have two designs available - the natural and diamond pattern for a more modern look. The handle shape is the clear differentiating factor of this bag and can be carried tote style on your arm and would not fit over the shoulder. The tote will last you a lifetime.
Overall, the size of each woven bag is quite similar so all three are very practical options and great value for money given the high quality of craftmanship. It really comes down to the design preference and how you prefer to carry your bag :) I do hope this helps as we know it's a very tough decision! Always feel free to drop us an email if you need any help deciding.
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Explore what truly defines a Bolga Basket. Each Bolga basket is a piece of individual expression. The designs, colours, shape and technique is unique to the weaver who handcrafted it. Each basket is an interpretation of life in Ghana, West Africa. Mothers are weaving while cooking, feeding, nursing, cleaning, schooling their children. Fathers are weaving while growing crops and brothers and sisters are watching, learning and developing their own take on the craft. It’s a balance of life and artistic feeling.
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