$42.00
Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, skilled basket-weavers in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality sisal baskets inspired by nature. Tightly woven, these all natural baskets can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread, organizing toys or just hanging on your wall to add for unique home decoration.
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions:
Small: 10"L x 10"W x 2.5"H
Large: 12"L x 12"W x 3"H
Crafted from: Banana fiber, sisal
Made in: Rwanda
About the Artisans:
It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.
$44.00
These tiny bowls, with women reaching toward each other around the edge of the bowl, represent the philosophy of Ubuntu: a complex Nguni word that means “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” These hand thrown bowls feature female figures wearing their traditional African headscarves with their babies on their backs.
Size: Width from edge to edge: 4"; Height from the top of women to bottom: 2.5"; Height from edge to bottom of bowl: 1". Due to the handcrafted nature of this product, each design and color will vary slightly.
About the Artisans:
The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.
$188.00
Add storage with classic style in any room of your home with this set of tall, white hamper baskets with a slightly tapered silhouette. The set features two nesting sizes, woven from sustainable natural grasses and white plastic strips repurposed from a prayer mat factory in Dakar, Senegal. These fair trade baskets are made by Wolof women in remote Senegal, who earn a sustainable income through weaving.
Sold as a set of two. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions:
Large: 19"L x 19"W x 22"H
Small: 15"L x 15"W x 17"H
Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic
Made in: Senegal
Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected in size and shape. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.
$88.00
Within a frame of rustic hessian (jute) fabric in a rich cocoa brown, Congo raffia panels are highlighted in these uniquely African table runners. Because this table runner is crafted from handmade Congo raffia elements, each one is unique and em>designs may vary from photo.
Measures 14"W x 60"L.
About the Artisans:
While she was trained to be a secretary and teacher, Joyce Mibenge turned her passion for tailoring into a thriving small business called African Joy in Zambia. Now working with her three daughters, African Joy employs five tailors, two bead workers and three other staff.
$78.00
Using strands of natural sisal, women living in remote areas of rural Kenya earn income by crafting beautifully simple baskets that can be used for chic storage in any room of the home. Sisal is a natural fiber extracted from an agave plant, so the baskets are coveted for their durability and ability to be re-shaped.
Sold individually. Choose from Medium or Large.
Approximate measurements: Medium 14" wide x 10" tall (to top of basket), 14" tall including handles. Large 16" wide x 10" tall (to top of basket), 14" tall including handles. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.
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 baskets are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!
[back_in_stock]30[/back_in_stock]
$58.00
Durable and roomy, this handwoven sisal tote will allow you to carry all kinds of gear! Sustainable and fair trade, the perfect staple for your wardrobe.
Measures 16"D x 16.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.
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!
[back_in_stock]30[/back_in_stock]
$32.00
This eye-catching copper disc bracelet is handcrafted by young self-taught Zambian women of F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, sometimes adding a patina. Defying gender norms by becoming metalsmiths for jewelry-making, these women showcase modern Zambian skill in their F.R.E.E. Woman jewelry.
Sold singly. A matching necklace and earrings are available. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 1"W x 9"L (from end to end, unclasped). Length can be adjusted at closure.
Crafted from: Copper
Made in: Zambia
About the Artisans:
F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) started as a group of young, inexperienced women, with no previous jewelry making experience and defying gender norms, who taught themselves metalsmithing using copper. Using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, they transform it into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Their skills have continually expanded, and some women have trained in silversmithing.
$88.00
F.R.E.E. Woman jewelry showcases modern Zambian skill in eye-catching wearable art such as this necklace with copper abstract leaf shapes - some with a patina and some without. It's hung on a leather cord with a clasp. Using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, young self-taught Zambian women of F.R.E.E. (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) are defying gender norms becoming metalsmiths for jewelry-making.
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 4.5"W x 9"H (total height)
Crafted from: Copper
Made in: Zambia
About the Artisans:
F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) started as a group of young, inexperienced women, with no previous jewelry making experience and defying gender norms, who taught themselves metalsmithing using copper. Using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, they transform it into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Their skills have continually expanded, and some women have trained in silversmithing.
$68.00
Using copper recycled from used water heaters or wire, along with silver mined by small scale miners from an old silver mine in Kabwe, young self-taught Zambian women of F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) are defying gender norms becoming metalsmiths for jewelry-making. F.R.E.E. Woman jewelry showcases modern Zambian skill in eye-catching wearable art such as this copper and silver disc necklace, hung from a leather cord with a hook clasp.
Measures 2.5"W x 15"L (total length), 10" drop. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Matching earrings are available.
About the Artisans:
F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) started as a group of young, inexperienced women, with no previous jewelry making experience and defying gender norms, who taught themselves metalsmithing using copper. Using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, they transform it into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Their skills have continually expanded, and some women have trained in silversmithing.
$28.00
The Leakey Collection, empowering women in East Africa through work opportunity, is also providing additional entrepreneurship support to help their female Maasai neighbors build businesses through the proceeds of this bracelet. They will begin with high-yield, low-impact dairy cattle program.
Size: 2.25" inner diameter. One size fits most. Zulugrass strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads, dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass.
$15.00
The Leakey Collection's goal has always been empowering women in East Africa through work opportunity and now is providing additional entrepreneurship support to help their female Maasai neighbors build businesses through the proceeds of this bracelet. They will begin with a high-yield, low-impact dairy cattle program.
To wear, wrap the 26" Zulugrass strand, made from sustainable, natural grass beads, around your wrist 3-4 times. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.
$15.00
This new Rise Up Cause Bracelet will initially benefit Grace, a former participant in The Leakey Collection's Girls Graduation mentoring program, as she pursues a teaching certification. Helping women transform their lives is the goal of The Leakey Collection.
To wear, wrap the 26" Zulugrass strand, made from sustainable, natural grass beads, around your wrist 3-4 times. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.
$58.00
This collectible ceramic vase is handcrafted by Vuyelwa Katshwa from South African's Zizamele Ceramics using press-moulds. It features a deep blue and white pattern with woman wearing a traditional headscarf.
Size: Width from edge to edge: 2.5"; Height from the top of women to bottom: 6.5"; Height from edge to bottom: 4". Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.
About the Artisans:
The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.
$14.50
Made in small batches by a co-op of South Sudanese women, this Charcoal Facial Soap is a mix of Lulu Life virgin shea butter, sheep milk, activated charcoal, saponified lye, and tea tree essential oil for scent and clarifying.
Lulu Life is an organic, Grade A virgin shea butter that is produced using nuts from the vitellaria nilotica tree, which grows only in remote East Africa. Most shea butter comes from West African shea trees and is sold as a hard solid. East African shea butter is silky and harder to procure, and considered a precious luxury good. Lulu Shea Butter is made from nuts that are collected, cracked, sorted, dried, ground by hand and cold-pressed (avoiding even the slightest trace of chemical contamination).
Sold singly wrapped in cotton fabric. Patterns will vary.
Dimensions: 2"L x 2"W x 1"H
Crafted from: Virgin shea butter, sheep milk, activated charcoal, saponified lye, and tea tree essential oil
Made in: South Sudan
About the Artisans:
Founded in 2000, Lulu Works is a non-profit trust established to provide a source of sustainable income for the women of South Sudan. Comprised of women-owned processing centers, Lulu Works ensures that the profit from the production and sale of Lulu Life products returns to these women. It also provides an incentive to protect the natural shea butter resource.
Vitellaria nilotica tree grows across South Sudan in thick forests and takes 20 years to bear its first fruit. These forests are untouched by chemicals or fertilizers.
$48.00
Young self-taught Zambian women of F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) use copper recycled from used water heaters or wire and defy gender norms as they become metalsmiths for jewelry-making. This F.R.E.E. Woman necklace features 2 layers of copper hearts hung from a leather cord with a hook clasp.
Measures [Heart Pendant] 2.25"L x 2"W; [Full Necklace] 14"L. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
About the Artisans:
F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) started as a group of young, inexperienced women, with no previous jewelry making experience and defying gender norms, who taught themselves metalsmithing using copper. Using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, they transform it into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Their skills have continually expanded, and some women have trained in silversmithing.
$14.50
This Sheep Milk Facial Soap is made in small batches by a co-op of South Sudanese women. The soap is created from a mix of Lulu Life virgin shea butter, sheep milk, saponified lye, and scented with ylang ylang essential oil.
Lulu Life Shea Butter is an organic, Grade A virgin shea butter that is produced using nuts from the vitellaria nilotica tree, which grows only in remote East Africa. Most shea butter comes from West African shea trees and is sold as a hard solid. East African shea butter is silky and harder to procure, and considered a precious luxury good. Lulu Shea Butter is made from nuts that are collected, cracked, sorted, dried, ground by hand and cold-pressed (avoiding even the slightest trace of chemical contamination).
Soap measures 1"T x 2"D. Each soap is wrapped in fabric; patterns vary.
About the Artisans:
Founded in 2000, Lulu Works is a non-profit trust established to provide a source of sustainable income for the women of South Sudan. Comprised of women-owned processing centers, Lulu Works ensures that the profit from the production and sale of Lulu Life products returns to these women. It also provides an incentive to protect the natural shea butter resource.
Vitellaria nilotica tree grows across South Sudan in thick forests and takes 20 years to bear its first fruit. These forests are untouched by chemicals or fertilizers.
$24.00
Talented women in rural Rwanda use abundant, natural banana and sisal fibers to weave useful baskets for the home. This basket features pops of blue against white and tan. The petite size has many uses—use your basket to hold jewelry, bedside essentials like lip balm, or keys.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from banana fiber and sisal.
Approximate Size: 7-8" wide x 2" deep
Made in: Rwanda
About the Artisans:
Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.
$68.00
This metallic Ubuntu bowl features 3 women 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."
Due to the handcrafted nature, the design and coloring of each bowl will vary slightly. Size: Width from edge to edge: 6"; Height from the top of women to bottom: 5.5"; Height from edge to bottom of bowl: 3".
About the Artisans:
The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.
$15.00
The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from these specially designed 26" Zulugrass strands to their Girls Graduation program to counsel young rural girls and their families on the importance of staying in school. Each strand is packaged on a special tag, explaining how the proceeds will be allocated, and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.
Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!
$42.00
Songa Designs International empowers a new generation of women in Rwanda, combining traditional weaving skills with modern design to craft these tightly woven sisal baskets. Inspired by nature, each handmade item handwoven with all-natural materials and can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread or organizing toys.
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions:
Small: 10"L x 10"W x 2.5"H
Large: 12"L x 12"W x 3"H
Crafted from: Banana fiber, sisal
Made in: Rwanda
About the Artisans:
It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.
$28.00
These useful rare baskets are woven by Samburu and Rendille women in remote northern Kenya. Called "nomadic baskets," the baskets are styled for the modern home but based on traditional designs used for the storage of camel's milk.
Nomadic baskets are sold in three useful nesting sizes and are adorned with white beads. Because these baskets are handcrafted, each will vary slightly.
Each basket is tightly knit and is designed to last a lifetime. [L] 7"D x 5"T [M] 5.5"D x 4"T [S] 4.5"D x 4"T.
About the Artisans:
For the pastoral communities of northern Kenya, life pivots on the coming of rain and the survival of livestock. When the skies open, the landscape becomes lush and fragrant. Cattle and goats drink and forage near home and families stay together. In times of drought, warriors must travel far to find water for their herds, leaving women and children at home alone to endure dry seasons of unknown length as the streams, earth and trees dry around them.
Where they were once only allowed to own milk, Samburu women now own camels, plus they earn income by making baskets, processing meat and hides, keeping bees and refining honey. Through this shift in property control and a general increase in literacy in the region, Samburu women have become valued contributing community members.
[back_in_stock]30[/back_in_stock]
$68.00
Women living in remote areas of rural Kenya earn income by crafting beautifully simple baskets from strand of sisal dyed a class black that can be used for chic storage in any room of the home. Sisal is a natural fiber extracted from an agave plant, so the baskets are coveted for their durability and ability to be re-shaped.
Sold singly, available in two sizes. We recommend spraying lightly with cold water to reshape baskets.
Dimensions:
Small: 14"D x 10"H (to top of basket), 14"H (to top of handles)
Large: 16"D x 10"H (to top of basket), 14"H (to top of handles)
Crafted from: Sisal fiber
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 baskets are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!
$42.00
Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, skilled basket-weavers in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality sisal baskets inspired by nature. Tightly woven, these baskets can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread, organizing toys or just hanging on your wall to add for unique home decoration.
Sold singly. A larger size is also available. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions:
Small: 10"L x 10"W x 2.5"H
Large: 12"L x 12"W x 3.5"H
Crafted from: Banana fiber, raffia
Made in: Rwanda
About the Artisans:
It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.
$14.00
From the UN Refugee Agency
Crafted by Syrian refugee women living in Turkey, this colorful cotton bird is an homage to the national bird of Syria, the Northern Bald Ibis. The bird has symbolized brilliance and splendor since the times of Ancient Egypt, and is now critically endangered.
Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.
Size: approximately 2.4"
Materials: Linen, thread, glass beads & cotton padding.
Note: These products are handmade and there will be slight variations in shape, size, and color.
About the Artisans:
"Refugees have skills and talents that only need a chance to grow and flourish. Within each piece lies a story of history and culture, and the chance for a person who has fled war and persecution to offer something of beauty and style to the world." - Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
MADE51 is a global initiative brought to life by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Each ornament in the MADE51 Holiday Collection tells a story about the cultural heritage of its maker. These beautiful crafts are windows into the diversity and talent of refugee artisans around the world. They fill homes with meaning, as symbols of solidarity, empowerment and hope.
Photo (c) UNHCR.
$14.00
From the UN Refugee Agency
Crafted by internally displaced women living in a camp in a remote area of South Sudan, this intricate glass beading represents the blossoming of hope for brighter future for their children.
Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.
Size: 2.5"
Materials: Glass beads and wire
Note: These products are handmade and there will be slight variations in shape, size, and color.
About the Artisans:
"Refugees have skills and talents that only need a chance to grow and flourish. Within each piece lies a story of history and culture, and the chance for a person who has fled war and persecution to offer something of beauty and style to the world." - Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
MADE51 is a global initiative brought to life by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Each ornament in the MADE51 Holiday Collection tells a story about the cultural heritage of its maker. These beautiful crafts are windows into the diversity and talent of refugee artisans around the world. They fill homes with meaning, as symbols of solidarity, empowerment and hope.
$14.00
From the UN Refugee Agency
Crafted by Burundian and Congolese women living in Rwanda, this sweetgrass basket is handwoven using a time-honoured weaving technique. The design represents the additional strength and persistence needed to rise again after being forced from home.
Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.
Size: 3"
Materials: Natural grass with light blue and red accent colours.
Note: These products are handmade and there will be slight variations in shape, size, and color.
About the Artisans:
"Part of my responsibility as an empowered woman is to empower other people to do the right thing. I believe in giving others what you have been given." - Spés Kaneza, Artisan group leader in Mahama camp, Rwanda
MADE51 is a global initiative brought to life by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Each ornament in the MADE51 Holiday Collection tells a story about the cultural heritage of its maker. These beautiful crafts are windows into the diversity and talent of refugee artisans around the world. They fill homes with meaning, as symbols of solidarity, empowerment and hope.
Alina, 30, is a mother of three who fled her home in Burundi and walked for two days before reaching Mahama camp in Rwanda. Here she works alongside other women, weaving at the co-op. Photo (c) UNHCR.
$64.00
Using copper recycled from used water heaters or wire, along with silver mined by small scale miners from an old silver mine in Kabwe, young self-taught Zambian women of F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) are defying gender norms becoming metalsmiths for jewelry-making. F.R.E.E. Woman jewelry showcases modern Zambian skill in eye-catching wearable art.
Measures 26"L (end to end), 10" drop, pendant is 1.75" wide, 2.25" long. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Matching earrings are available.
About the Artisans:
F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) started as a group of young, inexperienced women, with no previous jewelry making experience and defying gender norms, who taught themselves metalsmithing using copper. Using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, they transform it into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Their skills have continually expanded, and some women have trained in silversmithing.
$64.00
Using copper recycled from used water heaters or wire, along with silver mined by small scale miners from an old silver mine in Kabwe, young self-taught Zambian women of F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) are defying gender norms becoming metalsmiths for jewelry-making. F.R.E.E. Woman jewelry showcases modern Zambian skill in eye-catching wearable art.
Measures 26"L (end to end), 10" drop, pendant is 1.75" wide, 4" long. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Matching earrings are available.
About the Artisans:
F.R.E.E (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) started as a group of young, inexperienced women, with no previous jewelry making experience and defying gender norms, who taught themselves metalsmithing using copper. Using copper recycled from used water heaters and wire, they transform it into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Their skills have continually expanded, and some women have trained in silversmithing.
$58.00
This collectible ceramic vase is handcrafted by Vuyelwa Katshwa from South African's Zizamele Ceramics using press-moulds. It features a beautiful blue and white pattern with woman wearing a traditional headscarf.
Size: approximately 6.5"T x 3"W x 3"D. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.
About the Artisans:
The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.
$44.00
These tiny bowls, with women reaching toward each other around the edge of the bowl, represent the philosophy of Ubuntu: a complex Nguni word that means “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” These hand thrown bowls feature female figures wearing their traditional African headscarves with their babies on their backs.
Size: approximately 6"L x 3.25T x 4.25"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this product, each design and color will vary slightly.
About the Artisans:
The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.
$28.00
These useful rare baskets are woven by Samburu and Rendille women in remote northern Kenya. Called "nomadic baskets," the baskets are styled for the modern home but based on traditional designs used for the storage of camel's milk.
Nomadic baskets are sold in three useful nesting sizes. Because these baskets are handcrafted, each will vary slightly. Each basket is tightly knit and is designed to last a lifetime.
Large: 7"D x 5"H
Medium: 5.5"D x 4"H
Small: 4.5"D x 4"H
About the Artisans:
For the pastoral communities of northern Kenya, life pivots on the coming of rain and the survival of livestock. When the skies open, the landscape becomes lush and fragrant. Cattle and goats drink and forage near home and families stay together. In times of drought, warriors must travel far to find water for their herds, leaving women and children at home alone to endure dry seasons of unknown length as the streams, earth and trees dry around them.
Where they were once only allowed to own milk, Samburu women now own camels, plus they earn income by making baskets, processing meat and hides, keeping bees and refining honey. Through this shift in property control and a general increase in literacy in the region, Samburu women have become valued contributing community members.
$42.00
Songa Designs International empowers a new generation of women in Rwanda by combining their traditional weaving skills with modern design to craft these beautiful sisal baskets. Inspired by nature, each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as sisal fibers and can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread or organizing toys.
Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions:
Small: 10"L x 10"W x 2.5"H
Large: 12"D x 3"T
About the Artisans:
It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.
$24.00
Talented women in rural Rwanda use abundant, natural banana and sisal fibers to weave useful baskets for the home. This basket features a cream-colored sunburst on a field of black and tan. The petite size has many uses—use your basket to hold jewelry, bedside essentials like lip balm, or keys, or use the hanging loop on the back to add it to a wall display.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from banana fiber and sisal.
Approximate Size: 7-8" wide x 2" deep
Made in: Rwanda
About the Artisans:
Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.
$24.00
Talented women in rural Rwanda use abundant, natural banana and sisal fibers to weave useful baskets for the home. This basket features a cream-colored sunburst on a field of soft blue-green and tan.
The petite size has many uses: use your basket to hold jewelry, bedside essentials like lip balm, or keys, or use the hanging loop on the back to add it to a wall display.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from banana fiber and sisal.
Approximate Size: 7-8" wide x 2" deep
Made in: Rwanda
About the Artisans:
Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.
$24.00
Talented women in rural Rwanda use abundant, natural banana and sisal fibers to weave useful baskets for the home. This basket features assorted triangles of bright peach, cream, and soft blue-green on tan.
The petite size has many uses: use your basket to hold jewelry, bedside essentials like lip balm, or keys, or use the hanging loop on the back to add it to a wall display.
Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from banana fiber and sisal.
Approximate Size: 7-8" wide x 2" deep
Made in: Rwanda
About the Artisans:
Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.