You will need:
* Small, 0.5 lb Command hooks are adequate for most wall baskets! Choose the size of hook needed for your baskets and decor.
** For finer weave baskets, choose a smaller needle to avoid leaving visible holes.
Fishing line is strong but transparent, making it ideal for hanging baskets without visible strings.
Thread a length of fishing line through your sewing needle, and use the needle to thread your fishing line through the back of your basket.
For thicker weave baskets, like this sisal basket from Zimbabwe:
Thread the needle through a few loops of sisal on the back of the basket. With this type of basket, you can keep the fishing line on the back of the basket only.
After sliding the needle under 2-3 loops of sisal, create a loop and tie it off with a knot.
For finer weave baskets, like this Hwange basket from Zimbabwe, Tonga baskets and Binga baskets from Zimbabwe, or Zambian wall baskets:
Thread the needle through from the back of the basket to the front of the basket, and then back through 1-2" away.
Create tie off the loop with a knot.
The fishing line will go across the front of the basket for 1-2", but because it's transparent, it won't be visible.
Once you've decided on your basket arrangement, stick your Command hooks on the wall. Make sure to follow the directions for your hooks, including the wait time before hanging the baskets. Then simply hook the loop of fishing wire over the Command hook to attach your basket to the wall!
Hint: It's easier to shorten or lengthen the fishing line loop to make minor adjustments than to remove and reposition Command hooks.
]]>The beautiful baskets from this region are created from locally sourced, sustainable materials including palm leaf, twigs and makenge tree roots. The makenge root, known for its durability, experiences reinvigorated growth with frequent harvesting, making it a wonderfully sustainable resource for basket weaving.
Our founder, Leslie, makes frequent trips to Africa to discover new fair trade products, meet unique artisans, and sometimes to visit friends. On her last trip, she decided to expand our Swahili family, by adopting an orphan elephant!
Leslie even got to meet the calf in person...
This is Sattao. The Rescue Team located the calf after a short search and it became clear that he was in desperate need of rescuing, and in fact with the infamous Tsavo lions plentiful in that area, it was a miracle that he was still alive. Small predators (we suspect jackals), had attacked his rear end and hind legs and hence due to his wounds coupled by poor condition, it was evident that they needed to respond fast.
He fed on milk and rehydration salts and despite being restless throughout the night, he did manage to sleep on the soft hay for short periods of time. The following day a team of Keepers from our Nairobi Nursery flew the one and half hour journey to Voi the Voi headquarters of Tsavo East National Park, arriving in the morning in order to collect the baby so that he could be afforded the intensive care he required. He was driven to the Voi airstrip by the Voi Keepers where the two teams swapped their precious cargo, having been given the opportunity to stretch his legs walking around the airstrip, all the while trustingly following the Keepers and later guzzling down another milk feed before the flight. Once he was safely loaded onto the plane, the Team placed him on IV fluids throughout the flight to help with his compromised condition.
The Ubuntu Bowl, an African version of the friendship bowl, features female figures holding hands around the rim in a spirit of unity, wearing their traditional African headscarves with their babies on their backs. In Africa, the definition of an individual is community based thus the word Ubuntu represents “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”
These stunning pieces will be available at www.swahilimodern.com
Each bowl is unique and tells a story.
]]>Burkinabe cast metal sculptures draw eyes to their elegantly transcendent posturing. From mothers with babes to robust beauties and slender maidens, Burkinabe sculpture de femme reveres the diversity of womanhood through intricacies wrought in a rudimentary yet time-honored process.
Our partners in Burkina Faso do their daily work under a breezy metal canopy among piles of strangely shaped dried clay. The controlled chaos you expect from an art studio suffuses the scene, and woodsmoke wafts through where figures resembling small Barbie dolls cover tabletops. In this world unto itself, the small team divvies up tasks and transforms a relatively basic supply list into prized art using the timeworn yet effective lost wax metal casting method.
The little wax dolls across the tabletops have a distinctive purpose. Serving as models of the finished piece, each is molded from softened wax. This feels like the fun part, as it's rather familiar to making Play-Doh creations as children.
When we receive shipments from Burkina, I love looking at each sculpture and imagining how the piece came together as it was shaped in wax. The amount of time invested in small details always comes through, and rush jobs are equally evident. This artistic style focuses mainly on a smoothly contoured figure in repose, which can be replicated quite closely. To give each piece individuality, roughly-textured frocks wrap each figure with folds and flares in slightly different array--guaranteeing that each piece is completely one-of-a-kind.
With the wax figure finished to its creator's specification and design, another team member begins surrounding the figure in wet clay. Building up slowly to ensure that the clay and wax wed without bubbles and inclusions between them, the artist knows the thickness to achieve before shaping an exit port and setting the clay and wax cocoons aside to dry.
Once the clay has dried, the entire shape goes into a fire. Firing hardens the clay mold and melts the wax, which drains through the exit port, leaving a void in the shape of the original figure. The "lost wax" has now served its purpose.
The team purchases bulk brass and other metals to use in their foundry. The brass is heated until it liquidates, then poured very carefully from a crucible into the mold's port. Again, the artisans know well how fast to pour in order to eliminate bubbles and fill every last bit of the mold. Within the clay mold, the brass fills and conforms to the shape of the original wax figure. When the molten metal reaches the fill point on the mold, the clay and metal cocoon finds a quiet place to rest while the brass inside fully hardens.
Across the lot, another team member cuts away the clay mold to reveal a shiny brass figure. If all has gone well, every little detail wrought in wax will have transferred to the metal sculpture. The artists use rasps to knock away any undesired flashing and to smooth small imperfections. If too many problems are present, the sculpture fails the quality check and the brass returns to the crucible to be used for a future piece of art.
To give the brass a bronze patina and add color to each sculpture's frock, the artists use a variety of chemicals. Unique reactions between the chemicals and brass add another level of individuality, as no single application can perfectly match another. Subtle contrast adds dimension, and giving each lady a gold necklace requires little more than leaving the brass shining through, untouched.
Sculptures of figures of all shapes and sizes emerge from the foundry, from tiny dancing ladies to towering statues. In true Burkinabe spirit, an appreciation for distinctiveness shines through each creation. While an August terrorist attack in Burkina's capital city, Ougadougou, may make the country seem like a dangerous place to visit, our agent Abraham affirms our shock to again hear of this lovely city and its kind people falling to harm:
We also are shocked and we do not understand what is happening. These people do not come from here. We are paying the price of our tolerance and tranquility that terrorists do not want to see. I have no relatives directly affected but I am bruised to know that so many lives have been taken away by these enlightened full of hate. Thank you so much for your support. We really appreciate this thought and it will make us stand up and never give up.
As our collection of Burkina Bronzes grows, so does our admiration for the integrity of our artisan partners. While no relationship is without its challenges, we continue to see the graciousness and openness of Burkina's people portrayed in their art. We hope that each sculpture spotted on a store shelf or displayed in a home calls to mind the beautiful, abundant and tolerant Africa we love. Your embrace of these singular works of art inspires us here in Oregon and in Ougadougou. Thank you for giving these Burkinabe beauties homes!
]]>Swahili has been creating a positive impact across Africa for 22 years, with artisans from: Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Uganda, South Sudan, Mali, Ghana, Burkina Fasso, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal. The list is long and the results beyond great! Swahili African Modern has been providing steady incomes to their focus communities for over two decades, enabling them to grow on different levels.
To achieve such results, this social enterprise creates long term relationships with artisans while facilitating their exposure by using their export resources and selling their products via Swahili’s online wholesale catalog.
Swahili African Modern, believes in “adaptation as a strong asset for traditional African craft forms to thrive”. This philosophy explains Swahili’s absolute support for rural women livelihoods, for instance if women in a rural area want to work at home and maintain that tradition, Swahili respects artisans and works to adapt their enterprise to the needs of its artisans.
Since they are part of the Fair-Trade Federation, they ensure all parties get fairly paid – including artisans and export agents – promote artisan education and encourage sustainable product development practices.
This article was just recently published on TRADE+IMPACT website.
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Clean it up!In West Africa, "sachet water" is big business. With significantly less packaging than bottled water, these cool little pouches seemed to be an environmental coup, until discarded sachets started clogging the streets, beaches and waterways. One creative company in Accra, Ghana, is transforming an environmental and health menace into a recycling and education movement. |
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Heads in the sandSee what's at the end of that big green arrow? Yes, tucked back there behind the big weird-looking red and blue rooster. Those are Tom's ostrich planters. "So what?" you may think. Well, this image was taken in 2012, over five years ago, and we wouldn't bring these little lovelies to our collection for another couple of years! What is now our wildest bestseller was once just an overlooked opportunity. While we were intently mulling the marketability of weird-looking roosters, a future star sat there mutely awaiting a glance. |
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In 2001, a terrible drought persisted for several years and brought devastation to the pasture lands. The livelihood of the Maasai disappeared as their cattle died. The men had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away in search for better grazing while the women looked desperately for ways to feed, clothe, and educate their children and obtain medical supplies. Philip and Katy Leakey, founders of The Leakey Collection who live among the Maasai in East Africa, wanted to provide their neighbors with work opportunities. They came up with an imaginative idea to utilize the excellent beading abilities of the Maasai women by using a readily available, sustainable resource- GRASS- as the primary element.
Previously used in the furniture industry due to its strength, the reed-like grass was dried, cut into bead-size pieces, dyed with environmentally-friendly textile dyes, and strung on durable elastic with hand-blown Czech glass beads. Mobile work stations were set up so the women could bring their babies and toddlers with them and work when they chose. As word passed through the Maasai community, women started walking as much as two hours each way to have their first chance to earn money. Now, even the men have joined in the entrepreneurial opportunities.
We are pleased to announce that as of July 2017, we started selling The Leakey Collection products on Swahili Modern. We have been closely acquainted with the Leakeys for years and will be exclusively distributing their famous, fair trade product line in North America as the Leakeys pursue other goals, including expansion of their product designs and organic farming in Kenya. Wholesale distribution will take place on our wholesale website.
The Leakey Collection has focused on zulugrass bracelets and jewelry in Kenya since 2002. Their iconic grass beads are dyed with low-impact dyes and strung on durable elastic. The sale of their products contributes to wonderful work in East Africa, including creating employment for thousands of women, promoting health and hygiene, bringing clean water into homes, and mentoring young girls through school.
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We began carrying small plant holders earlier this year and have not been able to keep up with demand! This week we are in Kenya picking up a new shipment of these beautiful birds.
]]>The FTF published an excellent article about the term "fair trade." Please check it out at: http://www.fairtradefederation.org/fair-trade-a-movement-for-all/?utm_source=True+Fair+Trade%3A+A+Movement+for+All
In the past few months, the term "fair trade" has been grossly misused by politicians for their own gains. The misuse of this term, which fair trade organizations have been long dedicated to defining, is deeply concerning to the global handmade community.
What is fair trade? According to the FTF, "fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system." Fair trade supports farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized. These producers often face steep hurdles in finding markets and customers for their goods."
Swahili Modern is proud to be a fair trade company and part of the Fair Trade Federation. We support the FTF's message of strength and unity during this time of marginalization and political upset.
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We were delighted to see large fulani earrings on actress Tiffany Haddish in the movie Keanu.
This gorgeous style of earring has made a comeback in recent years and has consistently been one of our best sellers.
The earrings have a rich tradition in Mali where they were traditionally worn by women as a display of wealth. Today, the earrings retain the same chunky, rustic design and are hung on hand-formed earwire.
We have recently worked with some fantastic jewelry designers in Mali to produce the earrings in different materials and designs, such as these new Sterling Silver Twirl Earrings.
]]>World Fair Trade Day is an initiative of WFTO that falls on the second Saturday of May of each year. The day is celebrated worldwide by all fair trade organizations, including the Fair Trade Federation to which Swahili Modern belongs.
Fair trade aims to "create positive change through all of its work: socially, economically, and environmentally. Members work with small farmers and artisans in holistic partnerships built on trust. These relationships go beyond ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions — they empower producers to strengthen their communities and grow their businesses sustainably."
Here's a great video that introduces the fair trade movement and why it matters:
To celebrate this special day, businesses all over the world are hosting events, offering discounts, and running contests to drum up support from the general public.
We are offering 15% off this weekend only, May 13th through May 15th, in honor of Fair Trade Day. Be sure to check out Twitter for some more deals and special events, using the hashtag #FairTradeDay: https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=fairtradeday
]]>The women work under the Lulu Works program, which was founded in 2000 by the French non-government organization MEDIC (Medical Emergency and Development International Committee) in response to rampant hunger and need in conflict torn Sudan.
Over the past decade, Lulu Works and its various arms have created an infrastructure for a sustainable shea butter industry for the women of Southern Sudan, ensuring the rights of Sudanese women as the traditional guardians of Sudan's lulu (shea nut) tree. Processing lulu oil is extremely labor-intensive, but with proper storage, lulu oil can be preserved year round for use. Through the careful organization of nut collection sites and oil processing centers, enough lulu oil can be produced in Southern Sudan to meet local demand and to convert surplus oil into marketable skin care products.
The Guardians of Life
Lulu Works: The Company behind the Lulu Life label
Lulu Life Trust: Profits for the People
My biggest dream is that all my grandchildren get an education, so that they can get a good job and they can then look after me and I can rest in a good home. I thank Lulu Life for helping me get closer to that dream.
The owner of Swahili Modern, Leslie Mittelberg, was recently voted in as a board member of the Fair Trade Federation. We have been a member of the FTF for over 10 years and are delighted to be able to more deeply participate in this wonderful organization.
Leslie's tenure goes into effect on April 26th at the FTF Annual Conference, held this year in Burlington, VT. Please stop by and saw hello if you get the chance!
About Leslie: For more than 20 years, Leslie has dedicated her life to the celebration of African artistry, cooperative design and reliable business practices. Swahili, the company she founded in 1995, has grown to represent harmonious exchange between 11 African nations, a diverse network of artisans and export agents, a talented U.S. support team and thousands of retail establishments that value handmade products and the success of their creators.
Empowering artisans to achieve personal and professional success inspires Leslie's work through Swahili and challenges her team and her to constantly adapt to an evolving marketplace. We tailor our development practices in Africa by the principles of the Fair Trade Federation, and we work tirelessly to keep our product line fresh, relevant and inviting. The inclusion of our products in some of the nation’s most respected retail chains and catalogs supports our belief that well-designed handmade fair trade goods can compete in the marketplace.
]]>Senegal is a fascinating, vibrant country. What's lacking in its pale, arid landscape is made up for with colorful clothing and decor, including of course baskets!
We are delighted to work with Senegalese craftswomen and to help them lead fulfilling careers thanks to fair trade pay and principles. We feel that their happiness comes through in the products and helps to "brighten" your home in a meaningful way.
]]>One of the new baskets we received is a Leather Lidded Senegal Basekt. We hope you like it as much as we do!
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The baskets are hand-woven in Senegal and are fair trade. This Yellow & Silver Warming Basket is ideal for shelf storage, especially scarves, hats, and craft supplies. The basket's domed lid adds a surprising amount of extra space.
One of our most popular African baskets is our this Large Lidded African Basket in green and blue. This large, colorful basket is most often used as a laundry hamper or for large storage. Beautifully hand-woven and designed to last for decades, these large baskets add style and utility to your home.
]]>Quality control is important to us, and all of our products are checked by many hands before leaving Africa, as they come into our warehouse, and before they are shipped to you.
Here's a quick video of longtime employee TJ and his process of cleaning up a basket. Thanks for watching!
]]>This is our warehouse where we have operated for over 15 years. Most days are not quite as dismal as the one pictured, but it does rain in Oregon!
We often receive large shipments of baskets from Senegal. These are some of the latest designs.
Inside, the baskets are stacked sky high.
We inspect every item that comes and leaves from the warehouse. Quality control is a big deal around here.
Down the street, we have a fabulous store at the Fifth Street Public Market.
The store has a famous sale section where you can find great deals.
This is Papa, who was one of our first employees. It's hard not to love this guy.
If you find yourself passing through Eugene, OR, please do stop by and say hello!
]]>The determination and boldness of little mongoose is inspiring and showcases the wild beauty of this amazing reserve in Kenya.
]]>Doozie is proud of his craft and shares his trade secrets in this ten minute video. We get a first-hand look at the making of these amazing instruments that Doozie crafts using only gourds, wood, and twine.
Doozie also plays a different sized xylophones to demonstrate their varying sounds. It is a joy to hear this master musician play an instrument made with his own hands, and we are left in appreciation that these traditional Ghanaian instruments have stood the test of time and are still gracing the world with their peaceful, joyful music.
]]>You'll find several of these extremely eco-friendly products on our site under the Jewelry and Fashion page. One of our best sellers is the Magazine Bead Coil Bracelet. You'll also be pleased to know that these special women donate all of their proceeds to community betterment. The beads are truly beautiful on multiple levels!
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