THIS ITEM IS FINAL SALE
Handmade by female artisans and refugees in Rwanda, Indego Africa’s Abalone Collection takes inspiration from the spirits of its makers—these basket bags are full of color, charm, and strength. The designs are both a celebration of traditional Rwandan weaving using locally-sourced, natural materials, and a direct collaboration with artisans who benefit from our market-driven approach to women’s empowerment.
Behind the Design: Our signature sweetgrass baskets are handwoven with heart by artisans in Rwanda. Practicing a time-honored Rwandan weaving technique, the artisans use a needle and thread to wrap hand-dyed strands of sisal (the inside fibers of an agave plant) around bunches of sweetgrass to create tightly coiled, durable baskets in an impressive range of patterns and colors. Depending on the size and shape, each basket can take one weaver anywhere from 24-40 hours to make!
The artisan sector is the second largest employer in the developing world. Yet the majority of artisans are women who lack access to export markets, business skills, and the financial tools needed to run successful, global enterprises.
We are dedicated to changing that by investing 100% of our profits into education programs for the women who handcraft our products and youth in their communities. Since 2007, we've provided over 1,100 artisans and 250 young people in Rwanda & Ghana with employment opportunities, entrepreneurship training, and consistent access to the global export market.
That's Impact.
- spot clean
- bright colors will fade in direct sunlight
**Due to the handmade quality, some size and color variation may occur.