Frequently Asked Questions

Are all your products handmade?

Yes. Every item in our collection is handcrafted by skilled African artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Are the items authentic?

Absolutely. We source our products directly from artisan communities across Africa, ensuring each piece is genuine and culturally significant.

 Will my product look exactly like the photos?

Because our products are handmade from natural materials, slight variations in size, color, and design are normal and part of their unique charm.

 Do you offer custom or personalized items?

Some products can be customized depending on the artisan’s craft and availability. Contact us to discuss your request.

Where do your materials come from?

We use locally sourced, sustainable materials such as elephant grass, natural fibers, indigenous hardwoods, and plant-based dyes.

Do you follow fair trade practices?

Yes. We are committed to ethical sourcing and fair trade, ensuring artisans receive fair payment and their communities benefit from every purchase.

 Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide.

Please contact us at hello@aasetenagoods.com for International Shipping rates. 

 

How do I care for my purchased item?

Care Instructions for Wooden Products

Each furniture is a unique, handcrafted piece made from natural wood. With proper care, it will last for generations and retain its beauty and character.

Cleaning

  • Dust regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp (not wet) microfiber cloth.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, detergents, or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the wood's natural finish.

Conditioning

  • Nourish the wood with a natural furniture wax, beeswax polish, or mineral oil.
  • Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth, let it absorb for a few minutes, and then buff gently to restore luster. This helps prevent drying, cracking, and warping.

Placement

  • Keep the furniture away from direct sunlight, radiators, or heat vents, as excessive heat can cause the wood to dry out or fade.
  • Avoid placing it in damp or humid areas, which can lead to swelling or mold growth.
  • Use felt pads under the legs when placing on delicate flooring.

Use

  • Your furniture is sturdy but handcrafted. Use it for sitting or display, not as a step stool or to support heavy loads.
  • Minor scratches or marks can be gently buffed out with fine-grit sandpaper, then re-oiled or waxed.

Long-Term Care

  • Over time, your furniture may develop a rich patina; this is a natural part of its beauty and heritage.
  • With regular care and gentle handling, it will continue to age gracefully and tell its story for years to come.

 

Care Instruction for Bolga Baskets 

This Bolga Basket is a work of art, handwoven from natural elephant grass by skilled artisans in Bolgatanga, Ghana. With proper care, it can last for many years as a cherished heirloom, retaining its beauty and strength.

Follow these simple steps to preserve its quality, shape, and color:

General Care

  • Keep it dry: Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or rain. If your basket gets wet, gently shake off excess water and let it air dry completely in a cool, shaded area.
  • Avoid direct sunlight: Extended sun exposure may cause the natural dyes to fade over time. Store your basket in a shaded, well-ventilated space.
  • Clean gently: Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust. Do not use harsh detergents or chemical cleaners, as they can damage the natural fibers.

Reshaping Your Basket

Because Bolga baskets are woven from flexible elephant grass, they may slightly lose shape during shipping or storage.
To restore the original form:

  • Lightly sprinkle or mist the basket with water until the fibers are damp (not soaked).
  • Gently reshape with your hands into the desired form.
  • Allow it to air dry naturally in a shaded area.

This method revives the basket's natural suppleness and keeps it looking beautifully handcrafted.

Long-Term Care

  • Handle with care: Though strong, these baskets are made from natural materials that can fray with rough handling.
  • Avoid heavy loads: For longevity, don't overload your basket beyond its intended use.
  • Refresh occasionally: A light misting and reshaping every few months helps maintain the basket's structure and elasticity.

 

Care Instructions for Brass Products 

1. Routine Care

  • Dusting 

Use a soft, dry microfiber or lint-free cloth to wipe the hook regularly to remove dust and oils from skin‑contact. This helps slow tarnish.

  • Gentle cleaning 

Occasionally, wipe with a cloth dampened in warm water plus a few drops of mild dish soap. Then rinse and wipe with a clean, damp cloth and immediately dry thoroughly with another soft cloth. Moisture is a significant cause of tarnishing.  

  • Avoid contact with moisture 

Especially in humid rooms (bathrooms, near sinks), you'll want to ensure the hook dries promptly if it’s splashed. Water spots and mineral buildup accelerate tarnish. 

  • Avoid abrasive cloths or sponges. 

Use only soft cloths. Scouring pads or steel wool will scratch the brass surface and degrade the finish. 

2. Deep Cleaning / Polish (as needed)

Since the hook is solid brass (not brass-plated), you have more flexibility—but because it's handcrafted and decorative, you'll want to handle it gently.

  • Visual inspection 

Is the brass looking dull, tarnished, or showing green or blue oxidation spots?

If so, you might choose to renew its shine. 

  • Polish method 

Brass polish route – Use a brand-name brass polish (such as Brasso), following the safety instructions, and apply with a soft cloth, buff, then rinse and dry.

Natural route – Half a lemon sprinkled with salt, rub gently over the surface, rinse thoroughly, then dry. Because the lemon acid and salt can be aggressive, the rinse & dry step is crucial.

  • After the polish/rinse step

Once you've cleaned/polished, make sure to dry the piece thoroughly and buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Also, try running a dry cloth over it periodically to maintain the shine.

  • Patina vs. shine 

Recognize that solid brass will naturally patina (darken slightly) with time. If you enjoy that aged character, clean gently and avoid over-polishing. If you prefer a brighter look, polish now and then to maintain it. 

3. What to avoid

  • Don't use bleach, ammonia, strong acids, or general household harsh cleaners. These can strip finishes or damage the brass.
  • Don't use scouring pads, steel wool (unless very fine and used with extreme care), or abrasive brushes. These can scratch and encourage tarnish. 
  • If the brass is lacquered (though, in this case, I believe it is raw/un-lacquered recycled brass), then polishing may be inappropriate. 
  • Avoid leaving water droplets or moisture on the surface for prolonged periods. Wipe promptly after any splash. 

4. Installation & Handling Tips

  • When installing or hanging items from the hook, avoid anything that is excessively heavy or could scratch the brass surface.
  • Wear clean, dry hands when touching/installing the hook. Oils from skin accelerate tarnish. Some brass hardware guides suggest wearing gloves for the first few weeks until a light protective oxidation layer develops. 
  • If the hook is near external walls or in high-moisture environments (bathrooms, near windows), check it periodically for signs of corrosion and wipe it more often.

 

 

What is Your Refund Return & Exchange Policy ?

Last Updated: October 31, 2025

At Asetena African Goods, we take great pride in offering high-quality, handmade African home goods created by skilled artisans across the continent. Each piece tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and culture. We want every purchase to bring joy and satisfaction, but if you are not completely happy with your order, we are here to help.

This Return & Refund Policy outlines the conditions and process for returns, exchanges, and damaged items to ensure a smooth experience.

1. Return Eligibility

To be eligible for a return or exchange:

·       The item must be unused, in its original condition, and in its original packaging.

·       A receipt or proof of purchase is required.

·       Items that are damaged, used, or missing parts due to reasons not caused by us will not qualify for return.

·       International orders are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

2. Timeframe

All return or exchange requests must be initiated within 7 days of receipt of the item.
After 7 days, we are unable to accept returns or issue refunds.

3. Damaged or Defective Items

We take great care in packaging and shipping your handcrafted items. However, due to their delicate nature, we kindly ask that you follow the steps below upon delivery:

IMPORTANT NOTE:

·      Please sign the courier’s proof of delivery by writing “goods received unchecked.”

·      Before unboxing your order, take clear photos of the packaging even if it appears in good condition.

·      These photos and the signed delivery note are essential for any refund or damage claim.

Asetena African Goods will be released from any liabilities without the proper signed document and photographs.

If your order arrives damaged or with a defect, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery at hello@asetenagoods.comwith the following:

·       Your order number

·       A description of the issue

·       Photos of the item and its packaging

Our team will review your request and determine whether a replacement, store credit, or refund is appropriate.

4. Return Shipping and Packaging

·       Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to damage during transit or an approved exchange/store credit.

·       Original shipping charges are non-refundable.

·       Items must be returned in the original packaging or in packaging that provides equal protection to prevent further damage. Returns not properly packaged may not qualify for a refund.

·       We recommend using a trackable shipping method. Asetena African Goods is not responsible for lost or damaged return shipments.

5. Refunds

·       Refunds will be processed once the returned item has been received and inspected.

·       If approved, a refund will be issued to your original payment method within 7–10 business days, depending on your bank or card provider.

·       If the item was marked as a gift, a gift credit will be issued instead of a cash refund.

6. Return & Exchange Options

Store Credit:
If you choose to receive store credit, a prepaid return label will be emailed to you (where applicable). Once your return is received and inspected, store credit will be applied to your account for future purchases.

Refund to Original Payment:
If you prefer a refund to your original payment method, please follow the instructions provided by our support team once your return is approved.

Exchanges:
Items must be in new, unused condition with all original packaging and tags. Exchanges must be requested within 7 days of receipt. Custom, oversized, and final-sale items are not eligible for exchange.

7. Exclusions

The following items are final sale and non-returnable:

·       Custom-made or personalized pieces

·       Sale or clearance items

·       Oversized or made-to-order items

·       International orders

·       Gift cards

Due to the handcrafted nature of our goods, minor variations in color, size, or texture are to be expected. These are not considered defects and do not qualify for refunds or returns.

8. Processing & Communication

Once your return is received and inspected, we will email you to confirm approval or denial.
Approved refunds or credits will be processed promptly. If you have not received your refund within 10 business days after approval, please contact your bank or card provider before reaching out to us.

9. Contact Us

For all return, exchange, or damage inquiries, please contact our customer support team:
hello@asetenagoods.com
asetenagoods.com

Thank you for supporting Asetena African Goods.
Your purchase helps preserve African traditions, empower artisan communities, and bring the spirit of “Asetena” — life — into homes around the world.

How Do I Contact You?

You can contact us by email at hello@asetenagoods.com