faq
What does Nathez Out of Africa sell?
Nathez Out of Africa is a curated online store celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the African continent. Our range spans handwoven Bolgatanga baskets from Ghana, hand-woven sisal handbags from Kenya, artisan home décor, beaded leather slippers, soft toys, handcrafted pet accessories, Ntoma throws, woven fans, and a taste of Africa through our food collection — including premium coffee, tea, spices, snacks, and plantain.
Will the colours on my basket fade over time?
As with all naturally dyed, handcrafted products, some gentle mellowing of colour can occur with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. To preserve vibrancy, store your basket out of harsh sunlight when not in use. Many customers find that a naturally aged basket develops an even more characterful appearance over the years.
My basket arrived slightly squashed from shipping — what do I do?
This is perfectly normal and easily resolved. Simply mist the basket lightly with water using a spray bottle, gently reshape it by hand, and leave it to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat. The natural grass fibres will relax and the basket will return to its original form beautifully.
What is Nathez Out of Africa's social mission?
At Nathez Out of Africa, we believe that commerce can be a powerful force for good. Our mission is to connect talented African artisans with a global audience, creating dignified, fair, and sustainable livelihoods in the communities we work with. Every purchase you make directly contributes to the income and wellbeing of the artisans behind your product.
How do I care for my Bolgatanga basket?
Bolga baskets are wonderfully low-maintenance. For day-to-day use, simply wipe the surface with a dry or very slightly damp cloth to remove dust or light dirt. Avoid saturating the basket with water and never machine-wash it. Store in a dry, ventilated space away from prolonged direct sunlight.
How do I clean my sisal handbag?
For sisal handbags, use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove surface dust. For any spots or marks, use a lightly dampened cloth and dab gently — do not rub. Allow the bag to air dry completely and naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not machine-wash or immerse in water.
How should I care for my beaded leather slippers?
Keep your leather slippers away from water and moisture where possible. If they get damp, allow them to dry naturally at room temperature — never near direct heat. Clean the leather with a soft dry cloth. The beadwork is delicate; avoid snagging or pulling on individual beads. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
How do I care for my Ntoma throw?
We recommend hand-washing your Ntoma throw in cool water with a gentle detergent, or dry-cleaning for best results. Do not tumble-dry — lay flat or hang to air dry naturally. Iron on a low setting if needed. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to preserve the richness of the fabric colours.
How long do Nathez baskets typically last?
With proper care, a Bolgatanga basket can last well over a decade — many last 15 to 20 years or more. Their natural elephant grass construction is remarkably resilient. The longevity of our products is one of the many reasons they represent such exceptional value compared to mass-produced alternatives.
Can I use my basket outdoors or at the beach?
Our baskets are wonderfully versatile and can certainly be taken outdoors and to the beach. We simply recommend avoiding prolonged soaking in water. If the basket gets wet, reshape it gently and allow it to air dry thoroughly before storing. With a little care, it will continue to look beautiful season after season.
Are your products ethically sourced?
Yes — without compromise. We work directly with artisan communities across Ghana and Kenya, ensuring that the people who create our products are compensated fairly, work in safe conditions, and are treated with respect and dignity. Ethical sourcing is not a marketing phrase for us — it is the foundation of everything we do.
Do you support women artisans?
Many of the artisans we work with are women who are the primary earners in their households. By purchasing from Nathez Out of Africa, you are directly supporting female economic empowerment and helping sustain livelihoods for women and their families across West and East Africa.
How does buying from Nathez make a difference?
When you shop with Nathez Out of Africa, your money travels directly to communities of artisans in Ghana and Kenya. It funds fair wages, preserves centuries-old cultural traditions, supports women-led households, and helps sustain craft forms that might otherwise disappear. You are not just buying a product — you are investing in a living heritage.
Are you a fair trade business?
Our practices are fully aligned with fair trade principles. We work directly with artisans and cooperatives, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and ensuring a transparent, equitable supply chain. The artisans who create your products see a genuine share of the value of their work.
What is a Bolgatanga basket?
A Bolgatanga basket — often called a Bolga basket — is a handwoven basket originating from Bolgatanga, a city in the Upper East Region of Ghana, widely known as "the city of baskets." They are woven from elephant grass (veta vera), a fast-growing, sustainable natural material that produces baskets renowned for their durability, flexibility, and vibrant colours.
Are your products suitable as gifts?
Perfectly so. Our entire range makes for exceptional, meaningful gifts. We stock a dedicated Handmade Ethical Luxury Gifts collection, and many of our baskets, slippers, throws, and food products are beautifully presented and ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, corporate gifting, and special occasions.
Are your baskets genuinely handmade?
Absolutely. Every basket in our collection is 100% handwoven by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. No machines are involved at any stage of the weaving process. Each basket is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece — slight variations in colour, pattern, and shape are natural hallmarks of authentic handcraft.
How much does shipping cost?
We offer free UK delivery on orders over £50. For orders below this threshold, and for international shipments, shipping costs are calculated at checkout. We always aim to offer fair and transparent pricing.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number. You can use this to follow your package all the way to your door.
What if my order arrives damaged?
We take great care in packaging every order. However, if your item arrives damaged, incorrect, or not as expected, please contact us as soon as possible with clear photos of the item and your order number. We will work quickly to resolve the issue for you.
Can I collect my order in person?
Local collection may be available on certain orders. This option will appear at checkout where applicable. If you have a specific question about collection, please reach out to us directly and we will do our best to accommodate you.