Frequently Asked Questions

See the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

A: Every Zuku basket is woven from all-natural, sustainable, and wild-growing Veta Vera grass, and the handles are made from locally tanned goat leather, and every part of the animal goes to use. Colloquially known as “river grass” or “elephant grass” by the weavers in Bolgatanga, Ghana, Veta Vera thrives along lake beds and rivers where the soil is richest and grows several feet tall, impressive for its high yield and durability. It’s a hardy crop and does not require much water, allowing it to survive periods of low rainfall and flourish without pesticides. Likewise, the weavers harvest river grass in a renewable and sustainable fashion. Because every basket is hand-woven from the first to the final weave, you will receive a truly unique piece of artistry.

A: All of our baskets are imported from Ghana, Africa, and woven by hand in Bolgatanga, the largest town in the Upper East region of the country. Tight-knit villages are scattered throughout this semi-arid region, roughly 20 miles south of the Burkina Faso border and very close to the edge of the Sahara Desert. Traditionally an area of farming and herding, basket-weaving has become a critical part of the local economy, buoying thousands of families when rainfall is scarce and crop yields are limited. Different villages are known for specific styles of baskets, and while most weavers are women, some men also weave baskets.

We purchase every Zuku basket from the weavers at the primary market in Bolgatanga, supporting them directly and paying the highest price. They also bring their best-woven baskets to us daily, reflecting Zuku’s emphasis on top-tier quality and craftsmanship. The weavers use the profits from their baskets to help support their families.

The founder of Zuku has been going to Bolgatanga for over twenty years and has developed excellent relationships with the artisans, formed over decades of in-person visits and deepened by our focus on fair trade and respect since the beginning.

A: Baskets may become slightly misshapen during shipping or from basket usage. But the good news is that they are easily reshapable!

To reshape a basket, just saturate the grass with warm water and use your hands to push the basket into its ideal shape while rolling it on a flat surface. No need to be overly gentle, as guiding the basket into shape while wet will not do any damage. However, do not try to reshape a dry basket, which can cause fibers to break. If you need to reshape a thick rim or the handle of a basket, just make sure you let the warm water soak deep into the core of the fibers – they need to be fully saturated before you attempt to move them into a different position. Once your basket is in the shape you prefer, simply let it completely dry; once it is dry, it will stay in the form you leave it in!

A: Every Zuku basket is made from all-natural river grass that grows wild in Bolgatanga. No pesticides, substances, or harsh chemicals are used on the grass at any point during its cultivation. The leather used to make the handles is tanned with red millet – another grass that grows naturally in northern Ghana.

We suggest using our Moses baskets until your child reaches around age 3-4 months, 20 pounds, or when they are rolling over, pushing up, or crawling independently. Moses baskets are intended for supervised use only on hard, flat surfaces, with your baby on their back, and with the handles in an outward position.

We do not recommend using them as a carrying vessel. Please keep your Moses basket away from heat sources and open flames. It is also best to avoid attaching toys to the Moses basket in a way that could cause strangulation.

A: Yes! Zuku is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation. We pay the weavers promptly and fairly while following all of the Fair Trade Federation principles, which include creating opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers, developing transparent and accountable relationships, supporting safe and empowering working conditions, ensuring the rights of children, cultivating environmental stewardship, and respecting cultural identity. To learn more, please visit the Fair Trade Federation website.

A: We ship all Zuku Bolga baskets, Moses baskets, and Moses basket accessories via FedEx Ground Service from Nederland, CO. After placing your order, please allow 2-4 business days for us to process and pack your order. When we ship your order, it will take about 1-5 days to get to you within the 48 contiguous states of the USA. Items shipped outside the 48 contiguous states will take a little longer to receive. We currently ship only to the US and Canada.
A: No, but if you call us with a friendly attitude and a pressing need for a rush, we’ll do our best!

A: Yes, we sell gift cards, allowing you to give the gift of choice! Please purchase an electronic gift card.

A: Zuku does not offer exchanges. If you are buying a basket for someone else, we recommend purchasing one of our electronic gift cards.

We have a 14-day return policy. You are responsible for arranging return shipping and covering shipping costs.

All Zuku baskets and accessories must be shipped back to us in their original boxing and packaging. Moses basket pads, linens, and cushions are only returnable if unused.

We only accept returns for merchandise in new condition

A: If your basket has something on it that you want to wash off, don’t worry; it is not ruined! The baskets are very sturdy and hold up well to washing. You can gently wipe away the substance or spot with warm water and a little soap, but be careful not to scrub too aggressively, which can potentially push fibers out of place or break them.

Please allow the basket to dry completely before putting any accessories back inside or using it. Baskets take about 24-48 hours to dry completely, depending on their environment, and it’s best to let them dry on a breathable shelf or in the sun as opposed to on a solid surface or in a cold, damp place. Please be aware that when baskets are moist, they are malleable and will stay in whatever form you leave them to dry. So, while the basket is still damp, leave it in your preferred shape for drying.

A: We plan to have special promotions throughout the year. To receive updates about upcoming sales and new inventory releases, click here. Your email is safe with us – we do not share or sell customer info.
A: Zuku Baskets offers free shipping on all orders over $50. For orders under $50, there is a flat-rate shipping cost of $15.
A: If you order two or more items, we offer a discount of 5% off all items.

A: Yes! Visit African Market Baskets, our sister company, to apply for a wholesale account.

A: We do not offer a warranty as these are 100% hand-woven baskets made from locally harvested grass – if treated well, they can hold up through more than 20 years of use. They may break down a little here or there over time, with some individual fibers popping out of the weave, especially with daily use, but they will remain fully intact and usable for many years if treated with care. We also stand behind the quality of our Moses basket accessories, which are durable and made to last.

A: Due to the handmade nature of our Moses baskets, they range in size, and each one is unique, so we recommend using our accessories specially designed for the baskets. Please visit our Moses basket accessories page. If you plan to use another style/brand of accessory, we highly recommend waiting to order your accessories until you have received your Moses basket and can take measurements to ensure a proper fit.

A: Zuku baskets get their vibrant colors from the same process used to dye clothing fabric.
A: We purchase Zuku baskets from weavers at the bustling market in Bolgatanga held every three days, and we also buy their highest-quality baskets daily. We believe in giving the weavers complete artistic freedom and do not employ them to make specific weaves, so we cannot accept custom orders. However, if you are looking for a particular color, let us know, and we will do our best to help you find your perfect basket!