Crafted by Afghan refugees living in India, this intricately crocheted crescent moon with beaded details represents a new season and progress in life.

Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.

Size: 3.5" x 3.35"

Materials: Metal wire, silver thread and metallic beads.

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.

These beaded flower ornaments will delight your Christmas spirit! Sparkling beads and silver wire blend beautifully in these handcrafted ornaments from Kenya.

Sold individually. Choose from aqua, gold, red, or green. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 3"L x 1"W x 3"T (to top of round), 7"T (to top of string)

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We met Wanduta at the Friday Market in Nairobi where his bright designs immediately caught our eye. Wanduta works almost exclusively with recycled pop cans and beads. His work, like his personality, is vibrant and joyful, and is work is 100% eco-friendly. 

Wolof women in the West African nation of Senegal hand-weave baskets in the traditional coil weaving method, using natural grass. Interweaving colorful strips of plastic, salvaged from a mat factory in Dakar, the weavers brighten up the baskets and create designs.

Cattails grow abundantly in rural Senegal, making this natural grass a sustainable choice. The Wolof women earn a sustainable income from basket weaving, while enriching homes around the world with modern African craftsmanship.

This amply-sized laundry hamper basket features braided plastic handles and a snug-fitting removable lid.

Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 26-28"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

As with any handmade item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

These durable, natural fiber baskets are woven from milulu, a reed-like grass that grows near the city of Iringa, Tanzania.

Dyed to a rich black with vivid purple undertones (see photos) from the dying process, the baskets are useful for storage and organizing throughout your home. They can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed. 

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

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 natural appeal.

Bringing style to storage, this multi-toned handmade basket is woven in rural Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of recycled plastic. This adaptable basket features cut-out handles, a flat lid, and a unique half & half pattern. When placed against a wall, the basket can show only one of the two colors, or both!

Dimensions: 14"L x 14"W x 19"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

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.

With meticulous attention to detail, Kenyan artisan Wanduta showcases his beading skills with this whimsical reindeer sculpture with a red nose, blending sparkling beads and silver wire.

Measures 9.5"T x 5.5"L x 4"W but since this is a handcrafted items, size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

We met Wanduta at the Friday Market in Nairobi where his bright designs immediately caught our eye. Wanduta works almost exclusively with recycled pop cans and beads. His work, like his personality, is vibrant and joyful, and is work is 100% eco-friendly.

This serene sculpture, carved from African soapstone, is a beautiful portrayal of Joseph, Mary, and the Christ child.

This piece is carved from undyed, natural soapstone.

Size: 2.5"L x 2"W x 6.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.

Featured on the cover of HGTV, these these open baskets are woven by Wolof women in rural Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic.

Sturdy and durable, the baskets are often used as waste baskets or for simple storage.

Approximate Dimensions: 12"L x 12"W x 13"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

In Zimbabwe, metal artists have transformed discarded oil drums and other metal pieces into uniquely styled art. Choose either the mama duck, the duckling, or both! All sculptures are varnished to slow the weathering process. Since these are handcrafted, each duck may vary slightly in looks and size.

Dimensions:
Baby Duck: 8"L x 4"W x 8"H
Mama Duck: 15"L x 6"W x 11"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal, paint

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

These beautifully crafted natural baskets are woven by expert weavers in Ghana and feature light brown soft leather wrapped handles for comfort. Great for farmers markets, gardening, shopping, or for easy storage in the home.

A popular choice for eco-conscious shopping, these indispensable baskets 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: 15"D x 15"T

Made in: Ghana

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

A popular choice among green shoppers, errand runners, and picnic planners worldwide, this durable shopper, with braided leather handles, is woven from thick, tough elephant grass by artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana.

Dimensions: 16"L x 8"W x 18"H

Crafted from: Elephant grass, dye, leather

Made in: Ghana

These striking 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 dotted with red beads. Because these baskets are handcrafted, each will vary slightly.

Each basket is tightly knit and is designed to last a lifetime. Sold individually.

Approximate measurements: [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.

This handcrafted wallet features handmade mudcloth fabric from the Mali. Exterior is made from mudcloth in assorted hues, with brown leather trim. The wallet's interior is crafted from sustainably sourced leather and includes a long top slot for bills, 4 slots for credit cards, and a small zippered change compartment.

Measures approximately 8.5"L x 5.5"W open, or 4.5"L x 5.5"W folded. Fabric color and designs will vary due to the handmade nature of this product; size may vary slightly.

Sold individually.

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.

Measuring 70" long, these handcrafted table runners are created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mud cloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mud cloth technique in Mali.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

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.

This hand-dyed indigo pillow is made in Mali using natural fabric and dye.

A resist dyed pattern provides bold contrast to the deep blue background. The pillow includes a fold-over back for easy removal of pillow inserts.

Sold with included pillow insert. For best care, hand-wash in cool water and air dry. Designs may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 18"L x 18"W

Crafted from: Cotton, thread, non-toxic dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 African 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.

Crafted by Congolese refugees living in Kenya, the skillful freehand carving technique they use is passed from one generation to the next. The Jacaranda wood is locally and sustainably sourced and takes the shape of a dove, symbolizing peace.

Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.

Size: 3" x 1" x 3/4"

Materials: Jacaranda wood with a metal loop

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.

Crafted by Burundian refugees returning home after decades in exile. Locally sourced sweetgrass is woven to create a beautiful bloom that represents new opportunities for artisans as they rebuild their lives in their home country.Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.

Crafted from:  grass, cotton thread

Made in: Kenya

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.

These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. This unique representation of a reading woman includes contrasting elements of skin, leaf and gold jewelry.

Sold singly. Because this is a handmade creation, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:  3"L x 3"W x 11"H

Crafted from: Bronze, paint

Made in: Burkina Faso

Kenyan artisans craft these beautiful angel holiday sculptures from sisal and banana fiber. With a beaded hanging string in the back, this angel can double as a large Christmas tree ornament.

Dimensions: 5"L x 2.5"W x 10"T

Crafted from: Banana fiber, sisal, paper, string, beads

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

This reusable shopper is made in Ghana from discarded water sachets. Each designed to zip into its base when not in use, these totes are both practical and eco-friendly. Perfect for on-the-go, these sustainably crafted, durable totes are a must-have!

Due to the handmade nature of these totes and the use of recycled materials, slight variation is expected.

Dimensions:
Unfolded- 16.5" x 12.5" x 6"
Folded- 8.5" x 6" x 1.5"

About the Artisans:

Trashy Bags Africa is a social enterprise making up-cycled eco-friendly products from discarded drinking water sachets that litter the streets of Accra, Ghana. Started in 2007, the organization has collected and recycled over 30 million plastic sachets since then. Each month nearly 200,000 sachets are collected and brought to Trashy Bags Africa, over forty local people are employed to collect, clean and stitch the sachets into durable, eco-friendly accessories. 

Kenyan artisans create a vibrant rendition of the African elephant in soft soapstone, dyed in brilliant hues of red, orange, yellow, green and blue.

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

Dimensions:  4"L

Crafted from:  Soapstone

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.

Nairobi artisans complement the organic shapes of dried gourds, which grow prolifically in Africa, with a beautiful dip-dyed finish.

Because gourds are an organic item, each shape is completely one-of-a-kind, and gourds may feature small blemishes. See images for reference, each will vary.

Sold individually. Size: approximately 3.5" - 4.5"D x 4.5" - 6"T.

These vibrantly colored bowl baskets make storage beautiful in any room of the home. Handwoven from durable elephant grass and hand-dyed a beautiful red, these baskets are stylish and made to last. 

Sold individually. Size: Small: 11-12"L x 11-12"W x 5-6"H  Large: 12-13"L x 12-13"W x 7-8"H Sizes will vary. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. 

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 natural appeal.

Using sustainably-sourced jacaranda wood, Kenyan wood carvers craft these beautiful giraffe sculptures. A colorful coat of paint brightens each sculpture.

Sold individually. Size: [Small] 3.5"L x 2"W x 16"H; [Large] 4"L x 2.5"W x 18"H. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

These beautiful handcrafted baskets feature a colorful spiral pattern set against the natural tone of raffia. Fitted lids make them perfect for storing small items or giving thoughtful gifts!

Size: 5"L x 5"W x 4"H. Sold individually. Because these are handcrafted items, colors and pattern placement will vary.

About the Artisans:

Skilled weavers living in the ethereal Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda fashion this beautiful floral motif basket from banana leaf or papyrus stalks and dyed raffia.

This luxurious gabi in light pink hues is woven from fine organic cotton into two wide panels, then hand-stitched together by artisans of Sammy Ethiopia. Worn traditionally in pure white for religious services, a gabi is an expansive textile that can serve in many ways - as a wrap or shawl, a throw blanket, a tablecloth, or even tied as a baby carrier.

You'll find many reasons to love this heirloom-quality handwoven textile!

Measures 59"W x 87"L. Due to the handmade nature of this item, size may vary slightly. Color variation is an expected feature, due to the handmade nature of this item.

Care instructions: Hand wash with mild soap. Hang dry.

About the Artisans:

The Sammy Ethiopia brand links the artisan skills of one of Africa's most ancient civilizations with American and European fashion know-how. The result is unique contemporary style that has already gathered fans from New York to Tokyo. A wealth of craft skills known in Ethiopia for thousands of years are applied to a style-forward range of fashion and home accessories to suit current global tastes. Collaborating with community organizations and cooperatives, Sammy Ethiopia creates employment to some of the world's most marginalized people in and around Addis Ababa.

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.

In the Pemba and Monze districts of Zambia's Southern Plateau, skilled Batonga women craft iconic baskets from locally harvested palm leaves and wild twigs. To update their classic designs with beautiful color, weavers tint the palm leaves with textile dye before weaving. These artfully handcrafted baskets make a great addition to any home decor.

Measures 22-23"D x 4"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, size and color may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Famous for their basket weaving skills as well as their geometric designs, the Batonga women in the Pemba and Monze districts of Zambia's Southern Plateau create these baskets by first weaving palm leaves into a characteristic square to begin and then radiating outward to create dramatic patterns.

Handwoven in Ghana using stiff elephant grass, these simple sun hats with a classic shape and braided leather string are great for everyone. The beautiful tight knit of the elephant grass coupled with the wide brimmed style offer excellent protection from the sun.

Rinse and reshape with water as needed.  

Sold singly.

Approximate Dimensions: brim: 16" W head: 8" W x 4.5" deep

Crafted from: Elephant grass, leather

Made in: Ghana

Using strands of natural sisal extracted from agave plants, women living in remote areas of rural Kenya earn income by crafting beautiful baskets that can be used for chic, textural storage in any room of the home. Woven to last, sisal baskets can be reshaped using cold water.

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

Dimensions: 10"L x 10"W x 13"H

Crafted from: Sisal fiber, banana 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!

Perfect for small storage, these modern African baskets are woven using sustainable natural grasses and thin strips of plastic, upcycled from the local Senegalese prayer mat factory.

Each basket features bright, colorful clouds on a white background, topped with a fitted lid with braided pull handle. The sale of the baskets helps support a network of rural Senegalese craftswomen and their families.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, size may vary slightly. Pattern placement will vary.

Dimensions: 8"L x 8"W x 8.5"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattails), plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

This three-piece nativity scene portrays holy family in beautiful hand carved aromatic African sandalwood with the Christ child figure carved in contrasting white bone. This piece of handcrafted art makes a beautiful gift during the holidays for someone or for your holiday decor.

Size: [Mary & Joseph] 1.5"L x 0.5"W x 4"T; [Baby Jesus] 2"L x 1"W x 0.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Biju is a wood carving artist from Mozambique who brings beautiful art to life with aromatic African sandalwood.

The holy family is portrayed in beautiful aromatic African sandalwood and distinction is added through the Christ child figure carved in contrasting white bone. This small piece of handcrafted art makes a beautiful gift during the holidays for someone or for your holiday decor.

Measures 4"T x 1.5"L x 0.5"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

Biju is a wood carving artist from Mozambique who brings beautiful art to life with aromatic African sandalwood.

Perfect for small storage, from remotes to small toys to the bathroom countertop, these modern African baskets are woven using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic.

Each basket features strips of color and includes a fitted lid with braided pull handle on top.

Dimensions: 8.5"L x 8.5"W x 8.5"H

Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

Zimbabwean sculptor named Leo creates these sweet stylized rabbits from beautiful serpentine stone, contrasting rough and polished stone.

Sold individually.

Size: 6.5"L x 2.75"W x 1.75"T. Because this is a handcrafted item made from a naturally varying material, each will vary.

About the Artisans:

Talented sculptors carve beautiful items from serpentine stone. Found in many deposits throughout Zimbabwe, its colors vary from black to brown to green, orange and variegated. Sculptors choose deposits of rock that are hard and therefore very durable.

Kenyan artisans portray praying angels in carved in Kisii stone or stained to a rich red. A beautiful addition to year-round or holiday decor, since each angel is carefully hand carved by rural artisans, each will vary slightly.

Each piece measures approximately 1.75"L x 1"W x 2.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.

Using strands of natural and hand-dyed sisal, female artisans in rural Kenya weave this stylish set of nesting baskets by hand. The baskets are known for their ability to be re-shaped, as well as their durability and all-natural composition.

Sizes: [Small] 6"D x 6"T [Medium] 8"D x 8"T [Large] 10"D x 10"T. 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!

This extremely versatile set of nesting baskets is handwoven using strands of natural and hand-dyed sisal by talented female artisans in rural Kenya. The baskets are known for their ability to be re-shaped, as well as their durability and all-natural composition.

Sold as a set of three nesting baskets. We recommend spraying lightly with cold water to reshape baskets.

Dimensions:
Small: 6"L x 6"W x 6"H
Med: 8"L x 8"W x 8"H
Large: 10"L x 10"W x 10"H

Crafted from: Sisal fiber, dye

Made in: Kenya

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!

These striking 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 dotted with black beads. Because these baskets are handcrafted, each will vary slightly.

Each basket is tightly knit and is designed to last a lifetime. Sold individually.

Approximate measurements: [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.

These lovely baskets feature soothing yet vibrant blue and green raffia colored with natural dyes, hand coiled over banana stalks by Ugandan artisans. This functional art can be displayed on the wall with its raffia loop or put to use on the tabletop.

Sold singly, available in three sizes. Because these are handcrafted items, colors and patterns may vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 2.5"H
Medium: 12"D x 3"H

Crafted from: Raffia palm, banana stalks, natural dyes

Made in: Uganda

About The Artisans:

Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, a member of the International Fair Trade Association teaches basic handcrafting skills to rural & urban women and provides income opportunities for the marginalized and disadvantaged: people with disabilities, widows, orphans, single mothers, women with minimal education, and people living with HIV. They handcraft baskets using natural raffia, some with natural dyes, wrapped over coils of banana leaf stems.

Slip on this comfy cuff and feel instantly stylish! The cuff bracelet is made from up to 32 hand-sanded, batik-dyed cow bone beads that are attached by 4 pieces of hand-etched wood spacers. Small trade beads add contrast and contribute to a more comfortable fit.

Kenyans artisans collect discarded cow bones from local butcheries and give them new life as beautiful adornments. The cow bone is smooth and the dye is permanent. No animals were harmed in the making of this bracelet.

One size fits most. Measures 2" from top to bottom. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Kenyans love roasted meat, be it beef, chicken or goat, and some Kenyan nomadic societies center life around the ownership of cattle. Kenyan butchers are happy to have eager hands to take useless bones off their hands, so they sell these unexpected craft materials to artisans for a small pittance. Talented Kenyan craftspeople utilize cow bones to create bold adornments that beautifully represent the nation's appreciation for cattle.

These stylish earrings are handcrafted by Kenyan jewelry artists who add bold slashes of brass to polished cow horn pieces. Cow horn is a natural, salvaged material with subtle differences in color and pattern, so slight variations are to be expected.

Earrings measure 2.75"L x 0.25"W. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Talented Kenyan artisans take advantage of the natural and recycled materials available to them, including cow bone and horn, to craft amazing jewelry. Bone is sanitized and carved into gorgeous shapes and added to brass for modern African jewelry.

Designed for delivering a gift, these warming baskets are crafted in Senegal using local grasses and thin strips of plastic.

Thanks to the creative use of plastic, the baskets are updated with vibrant color and durability while maintaining their traditional appeal.

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

Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 15"T

Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

Kenyan artisans add sparkle to the holidays with handmade banana fiber and wire angel ornaments, adorned with shiny gold thread robes and sparkling wings.  Often hung in the home to convey blessings, the angels are a symbol of peace and love for all who behold them. Angels will come with assorted items in hand or clasped in prayer.

Sold individually. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected.

Approximate Size: 2.75"L x 1"W x 8"H (to top of string)

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

Crafted by Malian refugees living in Burkina Faso. This star is a shining example of the metalworking skills of Tuareg artisans. For these nomadic pastoralists, who traditionally live in the Sahara Desert, stars in the night sky are navigational tools.

Each ornament is individually packaged and ready for gift-giving in a MADE51 box, complete with an artisan story card.

Crafted from:  aluminum, leather

Made in: Burkina Faso

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.

Malian artisans weave dried twigs and cotton cord into a uniquely African decorative table runner. A bold strip of pattern and natural textures enliven the tabletop.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

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.