Round Woven Serving Tray - Natural
Made in Tanzania
by weavers using local grasses and upcycled grain bags
$ 32.00 | WAITLIST
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Eliminate coffee table clutter with these woven trays, available in three different sizes to fit your space. Each one is beautifully and sustainably made using natural grasses native to southern Africa. Every purchase empowers weavers at WomenCraft in Tanzania.
Round Woven Serving Tray - Natural
As with all handmade items, no two pieces are the same. Variations in size, color, and design will occur.
Details
- Extra Small approximately: 9.5" wide x 2" tall
- Small approximately: 11.5" wide x 2.75" tall
- Medium approximately: 14.5" wide x 3.5" tall
- Materials: locally harvested star grass, locally sourced papyrus, and recycled grain sacks used for colors
- Care instructions: wipe clean with a damp cloth
- As with all handmade items, slight variations will occur
WomenCraft
WomenCraft is a social enterprise and member of the World Fair Trade Organization working with more than 300 artisans in 17 villages in Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. WomenCraft consists of 24 artisans groups, which include former refugee women, survivors of genocide, and HIV-positive artisans. Many of these displaced artisans have been living in refugee camps for decades. Previously, several of the women were once struggling subsistence farmers. And many of the artisans assume the responsibility of carrying for HIV orphans; they are the surviving children of extended family members who lost their battle to AIDS. With WomenCraft, the artisans can increase their crop yield while having a work-family life balance, send their children to school, and provide better nutrition and healthcare.
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Technique
Artisans working with WomenCraft practice a weaving technique that is traditional to Hangaza culture weaving in the tri-border region between Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi. This specialized coiling technique combines natural grasses interwoven with vibrant materials of the region. Through the time-intensive technique, artisans weave each grass coil in a series of carefully planned rows, fusing traditional weaving with a modern aesthetic. This technique is passed down from one generation to the next, specifically from mothers to daughters or women to women. It is also unique to the artisans’ communities.
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Tanzania
The diversity of Tanzania is reflected in the various forms of its culture and traditions. Over 120 ethnic groups call Tanzania home, and amongst them over 100 languages are spoken, with Swahili being the official language. Tanzania has a large Indian population comprising Hindus, Sunni Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis and Goans. The multi-culturalism of Tanzania is also evident in its mixed and varied art scene, its traditional ethnic music, colorful paintings and sculptures of indigenous hardwoods, specifically fetish style figurines and masks, and perhaps best reflected, its diverse cuisine.
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Fair Trade Products
Fair Trade is an approach to international trade centered around equitable partnerships, transparency and respect. It seeks to empower marginalized producers by providing them safe working conditions, fair pay, and a means to establish a sustainable business free from exploitation. As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we are committed to the Fair Trade principles.
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