Thanks in part to a history of decades of dictators, plus economic embargoes and sanctions since the early 1990's, Haiti is considered the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Much of the land has been recently deforested by the people for firewood. (Photo left)

75-80% of the population is impoverished, with almost half of the population being illiterate. Only 40% have access to potable drinking water. 25% have access to sanitary sewage systems.

But there is hope. Since pre-Columbian times Haiti's skilled craftsmen have transformed natural materials like vetiver, sisal, banana leaf and vine into functional baskets and works of art. One World Projects and Aid to Artisans are working to find markets for these fine traditional Haitian crafts.

Words cannot adequately express the tragedy of Haiti's devastating earthquake. The One World Project family extends our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this natural disaster. We're thankful to report that many of our Haitian artisan partners have survived, although some are injured; others are still missing. Daily we are doing our best to find out the status and we will keep you informed.

One World Projects will donate 50% of all Haitian product profits to non-profit organizations we know and trust, including Partners in Health / Stand with Haiti (www.standwithhaiti.org) and AmeriCares (www.americares.org). Both have an extremely solid reputation and a local presence in Haiti. We also encourage you to donate to them directly.

Please browse through our Haitian artisan products. Our stock is limited and selling quickly. Should an item you select go out of stock before we can update the site, we'll let you know and return your money. It will be your choice to be on a waiting list for the item or not. Obviously we don't know when the artisans will be able to work again.

Know that as the immediate emergency passes, we'll resume work with our partners in Haiti to help the artisans become self-reliant as quickly as possible. We'd like to generate new orders for them! Under many out of stock items is an "E-mail me when in stock" e-mail link. This will tell us how many items we should request from the artisans, and it assures them that work will be there when they're ready. We'll email you when the artisans are back to work and we can ship your item.

Haitian Soapstone Sisal Baskets Vine, Palm, Straw Baskets, Stars Banana Leaf Planters, Bowls, Hampers Vetiver Bird Roosting Pouches, Baskets

Thanks for your support of the Haitian people, and for your continued support of Fair Trade and self-sustainability in developing countries.

Basketry Section Quick Links:

Basketry Main Page

Bolivian Chilliwa
Bolivian Totora Reed

Haitian Main Page
   Banana Leaf
   Sisal
   Vetiver
   Vine, Palm, Straw

Ghana Grass
Guatemalan Maize
Kenyan Glass Bead
Nicaraguan Pine Needle
Rwandan Sisal / Banana

One World Projects is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Coop America, Social Venture Network, and the Aid to Artisan Trade Network. We're committed to helping economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide in a environmentally beneficial manner.