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The Bahari — Woven Tote Bag with Leather Handles

The Bahari — Woven Tote Bag with Leather Handles

Handwoven by Women Artisans in Tanzania from natural seagrass and finished with genuine leather.

A lightweight woven tote bag with room for a smaller laptop, notebook and daily essentials. Each bag creates paid work for women artisans.

$220.00 AUD
$220.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Color

Crafted in limited quantities: 10 left in this colour
Fast & Free Shipping

Fast & Free Shipping

Orders shipped express from Melbourne within 24 hours.

Empowers Women Artisans

Empowers Women Artisans

Every purchase helps provide fair employment for women in rural Tanzania.

Free Returns

Free Returns

Free returns within 30 days – no questions asked.

The Bahari structured woven tote bag brings natural texture to work and everyday dressing. Its handwoven seagrass body keeps it lightweight, while genuine leather handles and trim give the bag a refined, structured finish.

The medium-sized interior has room for a smaller laptop, A5 notebook and daily essentials. A leather flap closure keeps everything together, while each bag is handcrafted in Tanzania by women artisans through paid work.

  • Lightweight handwoven seagrass body
  • Fits a smaller laptop, A5 notebook and daily essentials
  • Genuine leather handles, trim and flap closure
  • Structured shape for work and everyday dressing
  • Handcrafted in Tanzania by women artisans

Natural Materials

Our structured woven tote bag is made from premium natural materials chosen for their strength, texture, and sustainability. The body is handwoven from durable natural fibers, giving each basket woven handbag its distinctive texture and lightweight feel. Smooth genuine leather straps and trim add structure and timeless appeal, while a soft 100% organic cotton lining keeps your essentials protected. Every material is responsibly sourced, creating a refined woven tote handbag that blends natural beauty with enduring craftsmanship.

Size & Fit

Dimensions: 30cm wide × 27cm high × 10cm deep
Material: Handwoven natural seagrass with genuine leather trim
Interior: Organic cotton lining
Closure: Leather flap closure with hardware
Fits: A smaller laptop, A5 notebook, phone, medium wallet, keys, sunglasses, small cosmetics pouch and compact charger

Care

Keep your handwoven seagrass tote looking beautiful for years with gentle care. Seagrass, leather, and brass are natural materials that develop unique character over time when treated well.

Care Instructions:
• Remove dust or dirt with a soft, dry cloth or brush.
• For deeper cleaning, gently wipe the seagrass with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking or submerging the bag.
• Wipe leather straps and trim with a clean, dry cloth, and condition occasionally with a natural leather balm to maintain softness.
• Polish brass fittings or closures occasionally with Brasso or a gentle metal polish, using a soft cloth and avoiding contact with the seagrass.
• Allow the bag to air dry completely in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Avoid overloading or storing in damp conditions to preserve the shape and structure.
• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use, ideally inside a cotton dust bag for protection.

Free Shipping & Returns

Free Shipping from Melbourne: All orders ship free and are dispatched within 24 hours via express delivery with full tracking.

Free 30-Day Returns: Not completely in love? Return your bag within 30 days for a full refund—no questions asked.

Customer Support: Our team responds within 12 hours to answer any questions about sizing, care, or your order.

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Woman holding a black woven Tote Bag with tan leather accents by a poolside

LIGHTWEIGHT BUT CONSIDERED

Made for Everyday Plans

The Bahari carries the pieces you reach for on days out: your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, small cosmetics pouch, paperback book and a slim water bottle. Its structured shape gives you useful space without the weight or size of a larger tote.

Recognised beyond the collection

Miriam Bella on 7NEWS Melbourne

  • The story behind Miriam Bella and the purpose woven through our handcrafted collections were featured on The Bright Side.

    WATCH THE SEGMENT
Read Press & Features

Styled in Real Life

  • Styled by @niki_kalupahana

  • Styled by @jodiflockart

  • A red woven tote bag with tan leather handles, shown from above on a neutral surface. Inside the bag are gold hoop earrings, black sunglasses, and a beige textured pouch.

    Styled by @sunkissedfolk

  • A woman stands against a plain beige wall wearing a white button-up shirt, blue jeans, and brown sandals, holding a red woven tote straw bag with a circular gold handle.

    Styled by @sunkissedfolk

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Handcrafted With Purpose

Woven by Women Artisans

Each Bahari woven tote bag is handcrafted by women artisans in Tanzania using established weaving skills passed through their communities.

This work creates income close to home while helping preserve the knowledge behind traditional handweaving. Each finished bag carries the individual character of the woman who made it.

Natural Seagrass, Finished in Leather

The Bahari is handwoven from natural seagrass, giving the bag its distinctive texture and lightweight structure. Subtle variations in the weave are part of the material’s natural character.

Genuine leather handles and trim strengthen the shape and give the woven tote bag a more refined finish. An organic cotton lining and leather flap closure keep the interior practical and secure.

Person holding a black woven handbag with brown leather straps by a poolside.

From Weekdays to Weekends

The Bahari’s structured shape and leather finish make it easy to carry beyond casual summer dressing. It works with relaxed tailoring, denim, dresses and weekend separates.

Lightweight and easy to wear on the shoulder, it moves naturally between lunch, shopping, appointments and days away.

Artisan's hands attaching a leather "miriam bella" tag and strap to a natural straw seagrass tote bag.

From the Weave to the Final Finish

After the seagrass body has been woven, the leather handles, trim and flap closure are attached by hand. The organic cotton lining is then fitted inside and each bag is checked before completion.

This combination of handweaving and leather finishing gives the Bahari its structured shape, lasting function and distinctive character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our structured woven tote bags are handmade from sustainably sourced natural fibers by artisan cooperatives in Tanzania. Each woven tote handbag supports fair trade partnerships that help preserve traditional weaving skills while promoting ethical, community-based craftsmanship. Through this approach, every basket woven handbag contributes to a more sustainable future for women artisans and their communities.

Yes. Each structured woven tote bag is crafted from tightly woven natural fibers, combining lightness with lasting strength. With mindful use and storage, your basket woven handbag will maintain its structure and beauty for many seasons.

Every handwoven seagrass bag is created by skilled Tanzanian artisans who shape, weave, and finish each piece by hand. The process takes hours of careful work, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and slow-made quality.

Yes, absolutely. If your bag isn’t quite what you expected, we’ll be happy to arrange a free return or exchange within 30 days. Just make sure it’s unused and in its original condition, and our team will guide you with care and ease.