Bolga fans, also known as 'Pai Pai', are handwoven from elephant grass in the city of Bolgatanga, Ghana. Stylish and functional; these fairtrade hand fans look great as wall decoration but can also be used to cool down on a hot summers day.
Bolga is located near the border with Burkina Faso; it is the capital of the Upper East region. The city is known as the artisan center of northern Ghana. It has a large central market, where you can also find the famous Bolga baskets, which are made and sold there.
Its manufacture has passed from generation to generation. It is made with herbs known as "elephant straw" or "veta vera". These herbs are very rigid and resistant fibers, which makes these fans very durable. To form the baskets, a careful process of selecting the appropriate fibers begins. These are then cut, divided into smaller fibers, intertwined, dyed in boiling water with natural dyes, allowed to dry, and braided into the shape of the fan.
Every piece is unique. Please mention in the notes at checkout which fan has your preference. All shown fans are still available.
