The Process: Scarves & Wraps

The women employed at Sabahar hand spin the silk yarn from cocoons using drop spindles and traditional spinning wheels. The men weave, using traditional methods to loom the silk and cotton yarn into one-of-a-kind handwoven, fair trade scarves, shawls and linens. The silk scarves and shawls are hand dyed using all natural plant dyes, such as marigolds, acacia, indigo, mescal and madder. The towels, handtowels, tablecloths, napkins and throws are handwoven from hand dyed soft and fine Ethiopian cotton. Their ancient skills and traditions are employed in production of these beautiful handwoven, fair trade textiles. From beginning to end the design and creation of our fabrics provides both beauty and a practical foundation for an improved lifestyle for the artisans, which includes a deep appreciation of the Ethiopian cultural heritage and traditions. These fair trade, handmade scarves, shawls and linens are available for retail and wholesale purchase.

The Process: Namibian Baskets

These traditional handmade, fair trade African baskets from Namibia are one of a kind art pieces made from palm shoots and local grasses which are sustainably harvested in the Kavango River Region outside of Rundu, located in the northeastern corner of Namibia. Approximately 100 women weavers from 4 villages harvest the plants, dye and weave these beautiful handmade, African baskets in exquisite traditional designs. The dyes are created from local plants and are 100% natural. Girls begin learning how to weave at a young age from their elders, usually their mothers or grandmothers. The weaving these handmade, fair trade African baskets is often central to the village or homestead. Occasionally women from the different villages will gather together under a large tree for shade and weave these handmade African baskets enjoying social time while they work. Their children often accompany them. Each handmade, fair trade African basket is unique, as each weaver has their own personal style and technique. Each individual Namibian basket takes between three to six weeks to complete. The designs native to Namibia depict patterns which represent their culture in addition to keeping the longstanding tradition of weaving alive, which is such a precious part of their heritage. These handmade, fair trade African baskets are available for our retail and wholesale customers.