Handmade | Fair Trade
AFRICAN MODERN, formerly Swahili Imports, is a women-led business dedicated to increasing global investment in African craftsmanship. We showcase modern Africa through handcrafted home decor and gifts, empowering artisans across the continent to design their own futures. With a low wholesale minimum order of $100, we simplify sourcing for retail stores and catalogs. We ship from Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, USA.
Bolga Baskets
Skilled weavers in Ghana craft durable baskets from natural fiber.
Metal Art
Creative makers transform waste metal into fantastic garden art.
Soapstone Zoo
Skilled Kenyan carvers craft animal art from smooth Kisii stone.
Wild Olive Wood
Carvers create natural utensils from sustainable hardwoods.
African Jewelry
African artisans craft sophisticated jewelry & accessories.
Burkina Bronzes
Lost wax casting yields chic feminine sculptures.
Senegal Baskets
Wolof women weave artistic storage hampers, baskets and bins.
Instruments
Shop handmade djembes, balafons and spin drums.
African Textiles
Source handmade pillows, throws and table runners from Mali.
Ready to Get Started?
Applying for a wholesale account is simple for store owners and professional buyers. Once approved, just log in to view our full wholesale catalog and place orders.
We Believe in African Artisans
No creation that our team gets to handle carries that perfectly impersonal imprint of a factory line. Everything is warm, speaking of its maker's humanity through subtleties and singularities. Choosing handmade goods for your store promotes sustainable, long-term economic development, mobilizing skilled artisans to refine their craft and shape healthy communities.
Sourcing Diversity
Explore artisans goods from Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.
Next to Nature
Stock your shelves with gifts and home decor that showcase the beauty and benefit of natural hardwoods, renewable plant fibers and recycled metal, plastic and paper.
Humanity First
Fair trade principles focus on respectful transactions with individuals in developing nations, from paying fairly to increasing capacity and ensuring the rights of children.
Visit Our Showroom
During Atlanta Market, visit us in the Artisan Collective showroom on the 10th floor of Building 2 at AmericasMart.
View Gift Shows
We're on Faire
If you like sourcing on Faire, please use the link below. We offer discounts during Faire Market in January and July.
Shop on Faire
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Join the ListGlowing Reviews
BEAUTIFUL - Great value and workmanship. Everything arrived looking just like the pictures. Very pretty and it was a great choice for our store. [Robin's Nest in the Pass]
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE - Very happy with the products received. Well made, with personality. Arrived promptly & well packed. Sold items while unpacking! [Details by Mr K]
EXCELLENT AS ALWAYS - Swahili African Modern sets the bar high in design and craftsmanship. Their products are staples in our shop and sell well year round. [Hill Station]