Ghanaian Woven Raffia Basket Tote Bag, "Mother's Basket"

“My name is Adams Salley. I grew up in Bawku, in the Upper-East region. The main art specialization of the people of Bawku is basketry. The people of Bawku are friendly, joyous and business-oriented, and these are the very traits I possess. Growing up in Bawku was very fun, together with my parents who were traders and my 10 siblings.

“I schooled a little to the primary level, and later helped my dad rear cattle. I later lived with my grandmother, who was a kente and basket weaver. She taught me how to weave baskets. I loved the beautiful colored raffia being interwoven to form a unique design. Even though I weave and sell, along the way the patronage was very bad. So I was moved to leave for Greater Accra to do some petty trading in other items to acquire funds to get back to the basketry.

“My aim has always been to give my parents a good life. In my quest for acquiring a living, I met a young lady, who I loved so much I wanted to marry her. Along the line I caught her cheating, which shattered me. After a while, with my hard work I obtained a shop in the Accra art center, where I market all sorts of baskets which I buy from my people in the north to sell in my shop.

“My dream has always been to help boost employment in my hometown. I have employed assistants in my shop who help to market the baskets. I was really happy when a friend spoke to me about NOVICA. Finally, there is a place to sell more of the baskets to help improve the lives of individuals in my hometown.”