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Springtime Collection

As a season of renewal, spring is a perfect time to celebrate with handcrafted African gifts and fresh home decor.

Color

$14.99

JusTea's Golden Green loose leaf tea serves up warm flavors of toasted rice and coconut. This green tea is low in caffeine and packed with antioxidants. Carefully hand processed leaves are packaged in a beautiful reusable tin, paired with a hand-carved wild olive wood spoon.

JusTea is dedicated to maintaining the whole tea leaf rather than the normal maceration which destroys much of the leaf’s natural complexities and depth. This allows the tea to be steeped multiple times, retaining the full flavor profile that whole leaf tea offers.

Each 100g tin includes a hand-carved wooden spoon and makes about 40 cups or when re-steeping, 80 cups. A recyclable refill pouch is now also available. Steeping Instructions: 1 teaspoon at 175°F for 3 mins (for a second cup, re-steep 6+ mins).

See all teas in our African Coffee & Tea Collection.

Tea farmer in Kenya wears a backpack basket full of tea leaves in a field of tea

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.

$120.00

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

$28.00 $34.00

These natural grass baskets are tightly woven by expert weavers in Ghana. A smaller version of our classic kettle basket, this basket features a pear-shaped bottom and an all-grass swing handle. 

Woven from sustainable and durable elephant grass, these indispensable baskets stand the test of time, even with daily use. The basket can also be rinsed with water and re-shaped, as needed.

Measures 8"D x 6"T (9" to top of handle). Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size may vary slightly. 

$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.

$28.00

Talented basket weavers in Ghana's northern region weave this beautiful fan from thick, tough elephant grass,. Featuring a soft leather handle, it is beautiful when in use or hung as wall art. 

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

Dimensions: 11"W x 18"H

Crafted from: Elephant grass, leather

Made in: Ghana

 Ghanaian artisan weaving a grass fan.Handwoven grass fans from Ghana.
$144.00

Talented basket weavers in the northern Bolga region transform tough strands of elephant grass into shapely baskets. Featuring an intricate lace weave, these baskets come in a lovely set of three.

Ideal for home storage and organization, potted plants, and more. Can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water as needed.

Small measures 10.5"D x 10"T, medium measures 12"D x 11.25"T, and large measures 13"D x 12"T. Sold as a set of three nesting baskets. Because these are handcrafted items, size and pattern may vary. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]

$15.00

Hand carved and polished to a smooth finish, this serene bunny showcases the beautiful grain and varied coloration of natural gray soapstone. Although colors are predominantly gray, this is natural soapstone with no dye; each piece will display variation with veining, shades of gray, and even some brown and pink tones. Additional color swatches are shown as examples.

Sold singly. Because these are handmade items crafted from a varying natural material, each is unique.

Approximate Dimensions: 2.5"L x 1.5"W x 4"H

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.

$56.00

These radiant sculptures are cast from solid bronze in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method. These adorable gnome sculptures have loads of intricate texture in their beards, balanced by smooth painted green tones on their oversized hats and bags full of magic.

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

Dimensions:  2.75"L x 2.5"W x 4"H

Crafted from:  Metal, paint

Made in: Burkina Faso

$28.00

This blue kingfisher, featuring a long pointed beak, is handcrafted in Zimbabwe from recycled oil drums with painted accents. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements. However, some weathering should be expected if the sculpture is exposed to the elements over a long period of time.

Sold singly. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 4"L x 2"W x 3.25"T
Large: 5"L x 3"W x 4.75"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.

Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe
$38.00

At Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe, metal sculptors transform used oil drums into vibrant hippo sculptures. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements.

Sold singly. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions: 6"L x 2.5"W x 4"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal

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.

Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe
$64.00

These classic, rustic bicycle baskets are handwoven from elephant grass in Ghana. Each basket includes leather straps for hanging.

Elephant grass is a tough fiber that can be rinsed and reshaped with cool water. Measures approximately 12.5"L x 8.5"W x 9"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size may vary slightly. 

$16.00

These fantastic cotton totes are crafted from a colorful variety of printed cotton wax cloth. Each tote is completely unique, and features 12" carrying handles and string ties at top. The flat design of the totes makes them easy to roll up and have a few on hand!

Sold singly; choose from available colors and patterns. Because these are handmade items, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W (handles 12")

Crafted from: Cotton fabric

Made in: Senegal

About the Artisans:

These totes are handcrafted by Senegalese artisans using gorgeous cuts of printed wax cloth.

$38.00

Handwoven in Senegal, these grain baskets are crafted using coils of natural grasses, woven together with up-cycled plastic strips in a rainbow of colors. Beautiful displayed on a table or adorning a wall.

This design is assorted by nature, and each basket will vary. Each is unique and beautifully handcrafted!

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

Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 3"H

Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

$12.00

Kenyan artisans hand carve sweet elephant sculptures from soft soapstone, then hand dye each piece with pretty aqua blue dye. Incised zigzag designs on the ears add personality.

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

Dimensions: 4"L x 1"W x 2.5"H

Crafted from: Soapstone, dye

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.

$11.00

These darling rabbit sculptures are hand-carved from Kenyan soapstone and dyed a vibrant yellow color.

Sold individually. Small bunnies measure 2.5"L x 1.75"W x 3"T. Large bunnies measure 2.5"L x 1.75"W x 4"T. Due to the handmade nature of these items, size and color may vary slightly.

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.

$12.00

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:  10"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.

$38.00

Zimbabwean artisans transform colorful red, yellow, green and blue oil drums into this lovely set of four butterflies. Each sculpture has a hanging tab on one of its feet, and can be displayed on a flat surface or affixed to a wall.

Sold as a set of four in the colors pictured. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, some variations may occur. Weathering is to be expected if exposed to the elements long term.

Dimensions: 5"L x 5"W x 2.5"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal

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.

Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe
$15.00

Proceeds from 26" Beads for Healthy Gardens Zulugrass strands support the Leakey Collection's “Healthy Garden” project, which educates Maasai women to plant vitamin and mineral rich home gardens. Most rural pregnancy and birth issues, as well as child development problems, can be eradicated by eating a healthy diet. 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 in a mix of garden greens, blues, and purplesÑeach bracelet is unique. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

$78.00

This stunning necklace features five silver-plated, rectangular pendants that drape beautifully across the collarbone. Each pendant is engraved with intricate geometric designs. The necklace is strung with glass beads and finished with a hook closure.

Choose from black or emerald green glass beads.

Measures 18" long. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Fair trade.

$48.00

This traditional basket is handmade in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. The basket's unique shape allows for an impressive amount of storage.

Woven by experienced Wolof weavers, the baskets are sturdy and can last for decades. Each basket features delightful dots of color and measures 13"D x 15"T. Dot size and basket size may vary slightly.

$15.00

Kenyan artisans hand carve these simply sweet bunny rabbits from soft soapstone, dyed with an earthy brown finish and etched details. A matching set of baby rabbits is also available.

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

Dimensions: 4"L x 2.25"W x 2.75"H

Crafted from: Soapstone, dye

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.

$15.00

Kenyan artisans hand carve these sweet bunny rabbits from soft soapstone, dyed with an earthy brown finish and etched details.

Sold as a set of two rabbits. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 2.5"L x 1.5"W x 1.5"H (each)

Crafted from: Soapstone, dye

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.

$54.00

These sisal wall baskets are handcrafted in Zimbabwe. Beautiful displayed on a wall or tabletop, the sisal fibers create a gorgeous texture and each basket is a work of art.

Limited edition, only three available. Measure approximately 11-12"D. Due to the handcrafted nature of these baskets, slight variation may occur. 

About the Artisans:

These baskets are sourced from the Collaborative Craft Project, a group in Zimbabwe working with local expert weavers and specializing in natural and sustainable materials. Sisal fibers are extracted from the agave sisalana plant and are hand-dyed to create beautiful colors. The dyes are all natural and sourced from trees native to Zimbabwe. Leaves from the Umdwada tree create black dye, Uchane leaves create yellow, Isinga roots and Umhlahlampethu leaves create brown, and other organic matter creates additional earth tones.

$74.00

This durable tote is handwoven in Ghana using tough elephant grass and features a sage green color block design. It features soft leather-wrapped handles for comfort and durability.

The totes are tightly woven, durable and can stand the test of time. 

Measures 16"L x 8"W x 18"T. Due to the handmade nature of this basket, slight variation is expected. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]

$24.00

These beautiful handcrafted baskets feature a vibrant colorful pattern. Fitted lids make them perfect for creative storage, or giving thoughtful gifts! 

Size: 8"L x 8"W x 9"H. Sold individually. Because these are handcrafted items, colors and patterns will vary slightly.

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.

$28.00

A smaller version of our beautiful and durable Bolga baskets, this popular basket style is handwoven from thick, tough elephant grass and will stand up to use and abuse and remain functional and beautiful for years.

This small size is wonderful small storage, and it's perfect for children's hands. Add a stuffed animal for a wonderful fair trade gift for a child!

This natural basket features a black leather-wrapped handle.

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

Approximate Size: 8"D x 8"T

Made in: Ghana

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

$28.00

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

Sold individually. Size: [Small] 5"L x 2.5"W x 1.75"T; [Medium] 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.

$42.00

At Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe, metal sculptors transform used oil drums into vibrant patchwork rabbit sculptures. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements.

Sold singly. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions: 5"L x 2.5"W x 7.5"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal

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.

Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe
$20.00

Ghanaian artisans create an indispensable addition to the purse in this beautiful folding hand fan. Styled from colorful cloth and leather, this richly hued Ghanaian fan can be folded and tucked away when not in use. When fully expanded, the fan not only creates a breeze, it also captures the eye with its beautiful print.

Measures 5"L x 1"W x 9"T when expanded. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, it may vary.

About the Artisan:

These vibrant fans are handcrafted by Ghanaian artisan Fulera, who first resist dyes cotton fabric, then coordinates dyed leather to wrap around a sturdy wooden handle.

Fulera, Ghanaian artisan.
$56.00

The graceful lines of a ballerina are captured in bronze by artisans in Burkina Faso. Each ballerina is cast from wax then bronze and hand-painted with a delicate aquamarine to add a beautiful contrast.

Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur. 

Dimensions: 3.5"L x 5"W x 8"H

Crafted from: Bronze, paint

Made in: Burkina Faso

$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.

$54.00

Talented basket weavers in the northern Bolga region transform tough strands of elephant grass into a shapely storage bin. A beautiful addition to any room of the home, this all-natural basket can be reshaped as needed.

Measures 10"D x 11"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected.

$58.00

This classic white tote, handwoven in Kenya from durable sisal, is roomy and sustainable for carrying whatever you need! Sisal is a tough, natural fiber extracted from the agave plant, prized for its sustainability. Sisal baskets and totes can easily be reshaped when needed; simply dampen with cool water, reshape, and dry in outside or in front of a fan.

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!

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$28.00

Looking for a new basket for Trick or Treat? These sweet 8"x 8" baskets are just the right size for children's hands to hold. Baby Bolga baskets are woven in Ghana using natural elephant grass. Just like our larger Bolga baskets, this tough fiber makes the baskets extremely durable and water-resistant. 

Baskets will be orange and natural grass colors, but designs are assorted—see photos for examples. Each basket is handmade and unique. Each basket is finished a leather-wrapped handle in brown leather.

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

Approximate Size: 8"D x 8"T

Made in: Ghana

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

$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.

$16.00

Kenyan artisans showcase natural soapstone in a sweet sculpture of a songbird. Polished to a smooth finish with hand-carved details, each bird sculpture may display small veins of color within the creamy white soapstone.

Sold singly. Choose from Small or Large. Because these are handmade items crafted from a varying natural material, each is unique.

Approximate Dimensions: Large 4"L x 2"W x 2.5"H

Small 3"L x 1.75"W x 1.25"H

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.

$18.00

Showcasing un-dyed soapstone in this beautiful lidded box, Kenyan artisans hand carve and polish to a smooth finish. Although colors are primarily cream, this is completely natural soapstone with NO dyeing so each piece could display a wide variation in color and grain than photos - with veining, and even some brown and pink tones but each will be lovely.

Dimensions: 4"L x 4.25"W x 1.5"H

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.

$54.00

Zimbabwean sculptor Godknows Muringayi utilizes recycled metal and old discarded teapots to create these unique rooster outdoor planters. One needs only add a potted plant to create a whimsical corner of the yard and garden.

Sold singly in assorted colors; two sizes are available. Because this is a handcrafted item made from scrap metal, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 15"L x 9"W x 16"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal

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.

Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe
$68.00

Metal sculptors in Burkina Faso use a lost-wax casting method to create beautiful modern African art. This tranquil sculpture portrays a feminine figure wearing pale green clothes and practicing a yoga tree pose.

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

Dimensions: 4"L x 3.5"W x 9.25"H

Crafted from: Bronze, paint

Made in: Burkina Faso

$46.00

These sisal wall baskets are handcrafted in Zimbabwe. Beautiful displayed on a wall or tabletop, the sisal fibers create a gorgeous texture and each basket is a work of art.

Limited edition, only three available. Measure approximately 10"D. Due to the handcrafted nature of these baskets, slight variation may occur. Images show potential variation. 

About the Artisans:

These baskets are sourced from the Collaborative Craft Project, a group in Zimbabwe working with local expert weavers and specializing in natural and sustainable materials. Sisal fibers are extracted from the agave sisalana plant and are hand-dyed to create beautiful colors. The dyes are all natural and sourced from trees native to Zimbabwe. Leaves from the Umdwada tree create black dye, Uchane leaves create yellow, Isinga roots and Umhlahlampethu leaves create brown, and other organic matter creates additional earth tones.

$28.00

For trick or treat or Easter baskets, these sweet 8"x 8" baskets are just the right size for children's hands to hold. Baby Bolga baskets are woven in Ghana using natural elephant grass. Just like our larger Bolga baskets, this tough fiber makes the baskets extremely durable and water-resistant. Just wet with cool water and reshape as needed, then air dry.

Baskets will be natural grass with dark navy blue accents, but designs are assorted—see photos for examples. Each basket is handmade and unique. Each basket is finished a leather-wrapped handle in black and/or brown leather.

$24.00 $32.00

This whimsical woodpecker sculpture, complete with a tab for affixing to the wall or a fence, is handcrafted in Zimbabwe using colorful recycled oil drums. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements. However, some weathering should be expected if the sculpture is exposed to the elements over a long period of time. Colors are assorted; colors and designs will vary.

Measures 5"L x 3.5"W x 7"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size may vary slightly.

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.

Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe
$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.

Lulu Life Shea ButterVitellaria 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.

Vitellaria nilotica tree
$38.00

Marula Oil is a fast-absorbing facial oil that has been treasured for centuries by African women for its restorative benefits. It provides long-lasting hydration and soothes redness and irritation, leaving skin glowing with a matte finish.

With its extremely high concentration of Omega 6, 9 and other antioxidants, it fights free-radicals that cause premature skin aging. The oil-rich kernels from East African are wild-harvested, hand-selected, manually cold pressed, then combined with a 1% essential oil fragrance blend, to ensure the highest quality product.

The 30 ml bottle size, with a special oil dispenser, also meets travel requirements. Included in the box is an insert outlining uses and benefits.

About the Artisans:

In 2001, a terrible drought persisted for several years and brought devastation to the pasture lands. The livelihood of the Maasai disappeared as their cattle died. The men had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away in search for better grazing while the women looked desperately for ways to feed, clothe, and educate their children and obtain medical supplies. Philip and Katy Leakey, founders of The Leakey Collection who live among the Maasai in East Africa, wanted to provide their neighbors with work opportunities. They came up with an imaginative idea to utilize the excellent beading abilities of the Maasai women by using a readily available, sustainable resource- GRASS- as the primary element.

Soon the Leakeys discovered that for centuries, African women had revered the restorative benefits of Marula oil and decided to offer it to the world also. After the Marula fruit is collected under the wild stands of trees, the nuts are removed from the fruit by hand. The nuts are slowly sun-dried, naturally concentrating the oil prior to extraction. The hard outer shells are individually split by hand; each kernel is removed and inspected for freshness, discarding any of poor quality. The oil-rich ivory colored kernels are pressed through The Leakey Collection's unique, proprietary cold-pressing system, ensuring the highest quality product. Now, even the men have joined in the entrepreneurial opportunities.

$74.00

A stylish tote for the farmer's market, picnic, or beach, these beautiful and durable shoppers are woven from thick, tough elephant grass by artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana. This roomy tote is accented by stripes of lacy weaving, and the handle is covered in braided brown leather.

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

Approximate Size: 16"T x 7"W x 19"L

Made in: Ghana

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

$72.00

This versatile set of nesting baskets is handwoven using strands of hand-dyed sisal. Versatile and stylish, these baskets are perfect for mixing up storage in any space.

Sold as a set of three nesting 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

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!

$44.00

Whether used for harvesting, as a tabletop storage basket or as a wall adornment, this handcrafted piece of art represents Uganda's "moon mountains" beautifully. Featuring a blossom pattern in aqua, navy and orange, this basket is a gorgeous addition to any space.

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

Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 4"H

Crafted from: Banana leaf, papyrus, raffia palm, dye

Made in: Uganda

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.

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