These beautiful sisal ornaments are handcrafted by talented Rwandan basket weavers. Shaped like traditional Agaseke giving baskets, each ornament features a removable lid, enabling it to be filled with small gifts or sweet notes!

Sold individually. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size may vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 4-5" tall and 2-3" wide, with a 3" string.

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.

Crafted by Burundian refugees returning home after decades in exile, natural grass and recycled food ration bags are transformed into radiant discs that represent 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.

Size: 3"

Materials: Grass, grain sacks and cotton thread

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.

A Burundian woman hand-weaves the Radiant Circle ornament. Photo by WomenCraft for MADE51.

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.

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.

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.

Crafted by Burundian refugees returning home after decades in exile, natural grass and recycled food ration bags are transformed into radiant discs that represent 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.

Size: 3"

Materials: Grass, grain sacks and cotton thread

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.

A Burundian woman hand-weaves the Radiant Circle ornament. Photo by WomenCraft for MADE51.

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.

Crafted by Karenni refugees living in Thailand, this sweet songbird ornament is created by stitching together hand-loomed weavings of fabric to give a voice to the craft of the artisans.

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

Size: 2.15" x 3" x 1.4"

Materials: Handwoven fabric, felt, thread and faux leather.

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.

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.

With meticulous attention to detail, a Kenyan artisan named Wanduta showcases his beading skills with these cute Christmas Tree sculptures blending sparkling beads and silver wire.

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

Approximate Size: [Small] 4"L x 4"W x 13.5"T; [Large] 5"L x 5"W x 16"T

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. 

Kenyan artisans portray praying angels in soft, pale white 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.

Measures 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.

Senegalese artisans fashion these richly detailed ornaments from wire and fabric. Each figure is outfitted in a vibrant costume stitched from local wax cloth with embroidered details, and each holds a small pillow to present a beaded gift. The ornaments feature both a wire frame for standing upright and a loop for hanging on the Christmas tree.

Sold individually. Each ornament vary slightly due to its handmade nature; choose from three colorways. No two are exactly the same.

Approximate Size: 6"T x 4"W (not including hanging string)

Made in: Senegal

About the Artisans:

These beautiful King ornaments are made from wax cloth by a Senegalese tailor named Abdoulaye. He works with his two brothers in a popular market in the center of Dakar.

These unique nativity scenes are hand-carved from jacaranda wood, then finished with a rich brown stain. Mary, Joseph and Jesus sit within a cozy cove, incised around to look like a little thatched hut.

Because this is a handmade item, shape may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 3.5"L x 3.5"W x 7"H

Crafted from: jacaranda wood, stain

Made in: Rwanda

About the Artisans:

Rwandan artisans hand carve these unique nativity scenes from jacaranda wood.

This nativity scene is hand carved in Burkina Faso from beautiful kola wood. The set includes Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a shepherd and two animals.

Sold as a set. Standing figure measures 2"L x 2"W x 7"H, kneeling figures 3"L x 1.5"W x 5.5"H, animals 4"L x 1"W x 1.5"H and Baby Jesus 3"L x 1.25"W x 1.5"H. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

Artisans in Burkina Faso handcraft these beautiful wooden nativity scenes.

Zimbabwean artist Luke Jimu carves and polishes springstone to create a beautifully simple nativity scene with Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

Size: [Baby] 1.75"D [Mary] 6.5"T [Joseph] 7.5"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. 

About the Artisans:

Zimbabwean artist Luke Jimu works with springstone, which is a prized dark stone that polishes to a high shine because of its density. Most springstone is sustainably sourced and is mined on communal lands for the purpose of sculpting.

This nativity scene is hand carved in Burkina Faso from lightweight balsa wood, and finished with hand painted details. The set includes Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, three wise men and five animals.

Sold as a set. Animals measure approximately 2-3"T, figures approximately 3-5"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

Artisans in Burkina Faso handcraft these intricate balsa wood nativity scenes.

This unusual hand beaded wire menorah presents a symbolic tree of life with birds and butterflies among its branches. Crafted by artisans in South Africa, this creative menorah adds color and shine to Hanukkah's commemorative candle lighting tradition. The wire can be manipulated to your liking, and a few drops of melted wax into each candle receiver helps hold lit candles in place.

Measures 11"L x 4"W x 11"T. Candles not included. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Artisans left to right: Wadzanai, Victor and George.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, African Home is an organization formed with the goal of providing employment for members of historically disadvantaged communities. Many of the craftspeople are refugees from Zimbabwe, and the organization assists with support documents for asylum seekers. Through African Home, talented craftspeople are able to gain collaborative opportunities, international exposure, and support themselves and their families.

This unusual hand beaded wire menorah presents a symbolic tree of life with birds and butterflies among its branches. Crafted by artisans in South Africa, this creative menorah adds color and shine to Hanukkah's commemorative candle lighting tradition. The wire can be manipulated to your liking, and a few drops of melted wax into each candle receiver helps hold lit candles in place.

Measures 11"L x 4"W x 11"T. Candles not included. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Artisans left to right: Wadzanai, Victor and George.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, African Home is an organization formed with the goal of providing employment for members of historically disadvantaged communities. Many of the craftspeople are refugees from Zimbabwe, and the organization assists with support documents for asylum seekers. Through African Home, talented craftspeople are able to gain collaborative opportunities, international exposure, and support themselves and their families.

South African artisans craft this unconventional hand beaded wire menorah in the shape of a bicycle. Adorned with colorful glass beads, this unique menorah brings extra joy to Hanukkah's commemorative candle lighting ceremonies. The wire can be manipulated to your liking, and a few drops of melted wax into each candle receiver helps hold lit candles in place.

Measures 11"L x 4"W x 8"T. Candles not included. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Artisans left to right: Wadzanai, Victor and George.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, African Home is an organization formed with the goal of providing employment for members of historically disadvantaged communities. Many of the craftspeople are refugees from Zimbabwe, and the organization assists with support documents for asylum seekers. Through African Home, talented craftspeople are able to gain collaborative opportunities, international exposure, and support themselves and their families.

These handcrafted stoppers are cast from zinc and electroplated with an antique brass finish. Featuring the Star of David and the ancient protective symbol known as Chamsa (also called Hamsa), these bottle stoppers are perfect to adorn a kosher bottle of wine during Passover and Hanukkah meals.

The stoppers come to us from an eco-friendly, brass casting company in South Africa known for excellent quality control and a very personal touch.

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

Care: Hand wash in warm water.

Approximate Size:
Chamsa stopper: 1.25"L x 1"W x 3"T;
Star of David stopper: 1"L x 1"W x 2"T.
Each sits atop a standard cork.

Made in: South Africa

About the Artisans:

Roots of Creation is a South African company known for their innovate brass and metal products. They have been in the casting business for over 20 years, during which time they have built a reputation for high-quality and original product design.

A popular choice among green shoppers, busy mothers 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 gorgeous rhino bottle stoppers are handblown from recycled glass in South Africa. A beautiful gift, or handcrafted staple in your kitchen, each sits atop a standard cork.

Sold individually, available in four different styles.

Rhino measures: 2.25"L x 1.25"W x 1.75"T.

Hippo measures: 1.75"L x 1.25"W x 2.75"T.

Giraffe measures: 1.5"L x 1.25"W x 4.5"T.

Elephant measures: 1.5"L x 1.25"W x 3.25"T.

Due to the handcrafted nature of these bottle stoppers, each may vary slightly.

Organic chamomile and lemongrass help cleanse your body of toxins and calm your mind of stress. JusTea 100% organic caffeine-free herbal blend aids digestion and enhances absorption of iron. Smooth and sweet with notes of honey and flower blossoms, Chamomile Dream is flavored with herbs grown and hand picked by members of a Kenyan women's cooperative.

Sold as 12 tea bags in a tin. JusTea's Zero-Waste Pyramid Tea Bags are the most earth-friendly pyramid tea bags available, 100% plastic-free and compostable in just 3 weeks.

Steeping Instructions: 1 tea bag at 205 degrees for 4 mins

Meet JusTea's farmers

Dimensions:  3"L x 3"W x 4.75"H

Crafted from: Organic chamomile, organic lemongrass, organic licorice root

Made in: Kenya

See all teas in our African Coffee & Tea Collection.

The Bain family from Canada partnered with the Katah family and the Nandi Hills community in Kenya to establish JusTea®, Kenya’s first-ever, small-scale farmer-owned Artisanal Tea Factory. Fully staffed, managed, and owned by small-scale Kenyan tea farmers, JustTea was granted one of the first tea processing licenses to produce these artisanal, direct-from-farm teas by The Tea Board of Kenya. The tea farm is nestled in the rolling green Nandi Hills where its volcanic soil naturally produces some of the world’s most flavourful tea. This small specialty factory processes a rainbow of teas: Purple, Green, Oolong and Black artisanal teas.

Kenyan artisans handcraft this fun spin drum from leather and wood, then hand paint colorful butterflies on each side. A sweet gift for little musicians!

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

Dimensions:  11"L x 3.5"W x 0.75"H

Crafted from: Leather, wood, string, acrylic paint

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.

These beautiful hammered copper earrings are 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.

When allowed to return to work, the women crafted a short-run series of copper jewelry inspired by the need to stay together even when apart.

Due to the handcrafted nature of this 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.

These gorgeous rhino bottle stoppers are handblown from recycled glass in South Africa. A beautiful gift, or handcrafted staple in your kitchen, each sits atop a standard cork.

Sold individually, available in four different styles.

Rhino measures: 2.25"L x 1.25"W x 1.75"T.

Hippo measures: 1.75"L x 1.25"W x 2.75"T.

Giraffe measures: 1.5"L x 1.25"W x 4.5"T.

Elephant measures: 1.5"L x 1.25"W x 3.25"T.

Due to the handcrafted nature of these bottle stoppers, each may vary slightly.

This fun necklace of red, white, and blue, strung with strong cord with tiny vulcanite vinyl discs interspersed with brass, bauxite and recycled powder glass, creates a vibrant statement!

Measures 22"L from end to end (8" drop.) Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Artisans in Ghana use colorful vulcanite vinyl discs from Togo with brass, bauxite and recycled powder glass beads to create fun jewelry!

This reusable shopper is made in Ghana from discarded water sachets. Designed to zip neatly into its base when not in use, these totes are both practical and eco-friendly. This style features a colorful patchwork of fabric forming the base, on display when the bag is folded & zipped.

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

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. 

Treat someone you love with this beautiful Leakey gift set! Featuring strands of colorful Zulugrass beads from The Leakey Collection, and a hand-carved soapstone box adorned with the words "Love Always," this set makes a wonderful fair trade gift.

Gift set includes:

Treat someone you love with this beautiful Leakey gift set! Featuring strands of colorful Zulugrass beads from The Leakey Collection, and a hand-carved circular soapstone box adorned with a beautiful spiral pattern, this set makes a wonderful fair trade gift.

Gift set includes:

Treat someone you love with this beautiful Leakey gift set! Featuring strands of colorful Zulugrass beads from The Leakey Collection, and a hand-woven sisal giving basket ornament with a fitted lid, this set makes a wonderful fair trade gift.

Gift set includes:

• Three 26" Zulugrass strands crafted in Kenya. 
• One pink giving basket ornament from Rwanda. Measures  4-5" tall, 2-3" wide, with a 3" string.

Shopping for a gift but not sure what to choose? Give them the gift of choice with a Swahili Modern Electronic Gift Card!

Gift cards are delivered instantly by email and contain instructions to redeem them at checkout. You can send directly to the recipient, or have it emailed to yourself and forward it when you're ready.

Our gift cards have no additional processing fees and no expiration date.

Hand-knit from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton

These soft stuffed unicorns are handmade from natural, organic cotton. Featuring rainbow details, a shaggy yarn mane, and sewn facial features, these stuffed animals are a family favorite.

Each unicorn is hand-knit by a Kenyan women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters. Due to the hand-crafted nature of this item, some variation is expected. Fair trade.

Size: Approximately 8-9"T x 5"W

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch"

Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of more than 300 women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the women's income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

Hand-knit from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton

These soft stuffed snakes are handmade from natural, organic cotton. With colorful stripes and sewn facial features, these stuffed animals are a family favorite.

Each snake is hand-knit by a Kenyan women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters. Due to the hand-crafted nature of this item, some variation is expected. Stripes will vary in color, see image for examples. Fair trade.

Size: Approximately 35"L x 3"W

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch"

Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of more than 300 women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the women's income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

Hand-knit from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton

These soft stuffed kitties are handmade from natural, organic cotton. Featuring easy to grab limbs and sewn facial features, these stuffed animals are a family favorite.

Sold individually. Available in two sizes. Each kitty is hand-knit by a Kenyan women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters. Due to the hand-crafted nature of this item, some variation is expected. Fair trade.

Size:
Medium: Approximately 13"T
Large: Approximately 15"T

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch"

Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of more than 300 women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the women's income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

Hand-knit from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton

These soft stuffed triceratops are hand-knit from natural, organic cotton. With easy-to-grab limbs and sewn facial features, these stuffed animals are a family favorite.

Each triceratops is hand-knit by a Kenyan women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters. Due to the hand-crafted nature of this item, some variation is expected. Fair trade.

Size: Approximately 12"T

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch"

Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of more than 300 women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the women's income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

Handmade in Burkina Faso, the base of this kalimba is a Nescafe coffee can. Metal tins fitted with tin can buzzers are plucked to create a distinctive sound. Topped with wood adorned with hand-burned designs, these instruments are a wonderful gift for music enthusiasts.

Dimensions: 5"L x 3"W x 2"H

Crafted from: wood, metal, recycled tin cans

Made in: Burkina Faso

About the Artisans:

An artisan co-op of young men in Burkina Faso, West Africa, create hand-crafted kalimbas from gourds and recycled materials such as coffee tins. Frequently the artisans are also musicians themselves, and they take great care in producing instruments of exceptional quality and beauty.

Kenyan artisans handcraft this fun spin drum from leather and wood, then add different hand painted designs to each side to represent day and night. Spinning the drum creates an interesting visual.

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

Dimensions:  12"L x 3.5"W x 1"H

Crafted from:  Leather, wood, string, acrylic paint

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.

Kenyan artisans handcraft this fun spin drum from leather and wood, then hand paint colorful butterflies on each side. A sweet gift for little musicians!

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

Dimensions:  11"L x 3.5"W x 0.75"H

Crafted from: Leather, wood, string, acrylic paint

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.

Kenyan artisans handcraft this fun spin drum from leather and wood, then add a colorful hand painted design with dancing musical notes and staffs on each side.

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

Dimensions:  11"L x 3.5"W x 0.75"H

Crafted from:  Leather, wood, string, acrylic paint

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.