These authentic African mud cloths are handmade by artisans in Mali who grow and weave their own cotton. Each cloth is hand-dyed with fermented mud that has been stained with plant leaves.

The fabric features hemmed edges on two sides and can be used as a table cloth, wall hanging, or throw blanket.

Measures 44"W x 70"L. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, design will vary. For best care, hand wash in cool water and air dry.

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic, and child labor is never used. Mali Chic provides artisans with 50% advances on all orders and pay a fair price for their products.

Interweaving natural and dyed grasses to create intricate patterns, Tanzanian artisans hand-craft these stylish baskets. The baskets are named for the weaver, Maila, who perfected the new woven design.

These all-natural baskets are handwoven from milulu, a reed-like grass that grows near the city of Iringa, Tanzania. The milulu makes durable baskets, which can be rinsed with cool water and reshaped as needed.

Sold singly, available in three sizes. Because these baskets are woven by hand, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 10"H
Medium: 12"D x 12"H
Large: 13"D x 13"H

Crafted from: Milulu grass, natural dye

Made in: Tanzania

About the Artisans:

Vikapu Bomba embodies the vision of Catherine Shembilu to create sustainable income for talented, rural Tanzanian women. For many women living in the lush southern highlands, life centers around subsistence farming, cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. Women can weave baskets between their other duties, working daily to earn money to pay school fees, buy food, procure farming supplies and contribute to savings. When a woman has money of her own to use or share, she has greater influence over her life and future.

Milulu grass reeds can be harvested carefully from the marsh without removing the entire plant. The reeds are dried in the sun, dyed with natural dyes, and split for weaving. The closeness to the earth of both maker and product gives these beautifully crafted baskets widespread appeal.

Artistic creativity abounds within the striking geometric block design of this handcrafted pillow so patterns will be similar to the photo but will vary according to the vision of the artisan who hand-dyed this beautiful mud cloth. Includes a pillow insert.

The pillows are finished on the backside in a foldover enclosure. The cover measures 18"x 18"and insert measures 20" x 20". Natural cotton that is carded, spun, woven and dyed by hand may include variations in color and texture. This is an expected feature of handmade cloth.

About the Artisans:

Le Ndomo is a social enterprise created to address the unemployment problem of young people who have not had the chance to study or to attend school. Ndomo aims to give these young people training with local knowledge: In addition to technical training, it also aims to assist young people in life by facilitating their socialization and by giving them values that will increase the quality of their lives; responsibility, personal commitment, work and solidarity, in strict compliance with the values of traditional African society.

A perfect tote to carry from the market to the beach and beyond, this shopper is handcrafted in Ghana from thick stalks of natural elephant grass, with soft leather handles for added comfort and durability.

A popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, these indispensable bags stand the test of time, even with daily use. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.

Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.

Approximate Size: 18"T x 8"W x 16"L

Made in: Ghana

Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.

Rural Kamba women in Kenya hand weave these open top handbags from tough sisal fibers and attach leather handles. Stylish and durable, the perfect addition to any wardrobe!

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 12"L x 12"W x 12"H (to top of bag), 18"H (to top of handles)

Crafted from: Sisal, dye, leather

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these womens' totes are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!

This stylish set of two nesting baskets makes storage beautiful in any room of the home. Handwoven from durable elephant grass, these baskets are stylish and made to last.

Size: [Large] 9"D x 7"T [Small] 7.5"D x 6"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.