Vibrant Wajoli African Wear Exhibit at Art Center

“Two years ago, I walked around the outdoor craft market at the Center of the Arts parking lot, and I was attracted to the variety of colorful woven baskets,” said Barbara Parisi, Chairperson for the Gallery Committee at the Marco Center for the Arts. “Jessica Wajoli, acraft fair participant, graciously explained how a group of West African women wove baskets for her, and I invited her to exhibit her collection at the La Petite Galerie.” 

On September 5, 2024, Wajoli brought her collection of African baskets, hats, fans, fruit trays, jewelry, and clothing line for exhibit at the La Petite Galerie. 

Jessica is from Ghana, West Africa from a tribe called Bassare. She came from a large family of eight siblings. She credits her parents for instilling in her a work ethic and convincing her that she is capable of accomplishing her dreams.She honors her parents everyday for their inspiration. 

Wajoli explains the history behind West AfricanGhana 'Bolgatanga' baskets, hats, and fans. Theyare exclusively woven by the Indigenous Gurune Frepe. They are also known as the Frafra tribe, around the region in northern Ghana. Bolga is the craft center of northern Ghana, and for many generations, basket weaving has been a traditional skill of the Bolgatanga people. The Frafra tribe is well known for their artistic craft products, and to supplement their income, their products are sold in major towns that tourists visit. 

Wajoli started with a few baskets and saw a great receptionfor her products. The baskets are woven from the Veta Vera straw, locally known as Kinkahe, and collected from the tops of the grass stalk, leaving the grass roots in the soil to regrow. This grass is similar to “sweetgrass,” which is used in baskets woven in South Carolina. 

The straw is bunched together and dyed in boiling water - a technique passed down through generations.Leather handles are added by local leather workers, and a medium-sized basket takes about three days or longer for intricate patterns and bigger shaped baskets. 

Wajoli started her business with jewelry and a few years later, she added baskets and clothing. She decided to hire a few local men and women in Bolgatanga, Ghana, to weave the baskets using her own designs. During the slow season, Jessica has three men and three women weavers in Ghana, and from October to April, she works with 10 to 20 local weavers. Her goal is to help the local weavers earn a better income, which in return will help the entire village. Each purchase of Wajoli’s baskets and jewelry is helping the local economy in Bolgatanga, Ghana.  

Wajoli’s beautiful, beaded jewelry is part of the West African culture dating back to ancient times when beads were first used as the King’s currency to exchangetextiles and alcohol. Traditional items are coming back, and according to Wajoli, people are wearing beaded jewelry as a reminder of the rich culture of Ghana. 

Krobo beads are glass beads handmade and hand-painted by craftsmen and women, and no two Krobo beads arealike.They are not just beads but a celebration of the history and culture of Ghana. The bead-making tools and techniques have been passed down through generations, and according to the Ghanaian Bead Society, they are dedicated to protecting the culture and heritage of bead-making in Ghana. 

Waist beads are the most common fashion accessory worn by Ghanaian women as a feminine statement and for protection. According to Wajoli, they are used as a waist keeper around the waist. Since the beads are not adjustable, if they roll up, it is an indication to cut down on yourfood intake. They are made of smaller beads and worn as a celebration of womanhood. 

Come and celebrate the vibrant African culture and get to know the rich culture of Jessica Wajoli, founder of the Wajoli African Wear, at the Marco Center for the Arts La Petite Galerie through September 30th.