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Women Work to Weave a Lasting Peace Rwanda, a tiny land-locked country in eastern Africa, tragically is best known for the horrific genocide that occurred
in 1994. Nearly a million people, or about 10% of Rwanda's population, were killed.
Rwanda is now a country in which women are rising to the forefront of economic, political and social institutions.
In the immediate aftermath of the genocide, females represented 70% of Rwanda's population since
so many men had been killed.
After some time had passed, the women were faced with a
decision of either collapsing of inconsolable pain, or moving on together to rebuild their lives.
Because so many men had perished, it was clear that women must play a significant role in
Rwanda's rebuilding and democratic transition.
Previously excluded from positions of influence, women now participate as
elected officials, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Today widows come together to make exquisite traditional baskets and create economic opportunities
for their families.
As they sit and weave, they heal in body, mind, and soul, and position themselves and their families for a more stable future.
These finely crafted, delicate baskets are made from natural fibers and woven
using a technique that has been practiced for almost a thousand years.
The baskets, with their unique form only made in Rwanda, have served many functions in
Rwandese history including holding food, celebrating weddings, and carrying secrets from one woman to another.
The sale of beautiful, handmade goods plays an important role in Rwanda's transition.
The traditional Rwandese basket with its conical top and "zigzag" stripes is the centerpiece
of their rebuilding, and a national symbol that adorns the official Rwandese seal.
Traditional
"Thousand Hills" and "ZigZag" Sisal Basket Designs $48.00 each
BSK-RW-TRAD-N
Each Rwandan basket is individually hand-woven, and the designs will vary by village and artisan.
Rwanda is known as the Land of 1000 Hills, and the diamonds in pattern
shown on the left basket below represent those hills, particularly
as seen in the volcanic region of the north. |
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Baskets shown from left to right: Black Thousand Hills,
and two versions of the Black ZigZag designs. The Thousand Hill design also available in Dark Brown.
About 10" high; 6" diameter opening
Note that sometimes it's difficult to distinguish between the Dark Brown and Black colors, but we'll do our
best to accommodate your order.
"Thousand Hills" and "ZigZag" Baskets
$48.00 each
(Sorry - All Thousand Hills designs are out of stock.)
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"Traditional" Sisal Basket $48.00
Natural with Red Design
BSK-WR-TRAD
We offer you special natural and red traditional Rwandan baskets, woven from sisal and dyed.
The pattern symbolizes two friends escorting
each other along a path, stopping to chat with others, and then continuing on their way.
It's a traditional motif with a new twist in color.
About 10" high; 6" diameter opening
(Sorry - out of stock.)
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Thank you for your continued support of the women of Rwanda.
Since 2003,
we've been pleased to bring you baskets, cards
and ponchos/wraps handmade by
these courageous survivors of genocide. |
Set of 3 Nested Natural and Orange Fruit Plates $108.00
This 2-color style is being discontinued, so
they're ON SALE for $100.
COLOR NOTE:
There are variations in color from what's shown here, with some
being more rust colored and some being red. Plates within the set will be woven of the same colors.
These sturdy Fair Trade weavings will find many uses in your home.
Large | 12 - 13" diameter |
Medium | 11 - 12" diameter |
Small | 9 - 10" diameter |
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Tri-Color Sisal Fruit Plates (singles) $48.00 each
A great woven plate for just about anything. |
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BSK-RW-FRUIT-TRI-color
Designs and sizes vary somewhat.
About 12" in diameter, about 2.5" high.
(left) Red, Black and Natural
(right) Brown, Black and Natural
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Peace Fortune Ornaments
These handwoven Rwandan ornaments will add beauty to your tree and those of your friends.
Plus you can use them year-round to hold your precious items.
The covers are removable, yet will stay on when the ornament is hung.
Help spread words of wisdom regarding peace! You can purchase these little baskets "plain" or with
a quotation regarding our quest for peace tucked inside.
Designs and colors will be similar to the ones shown; some will be wide, some narrow.
Diameters will vary from about 1.5" to 3";
heights will vary from about 3" to 5".
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Peace Fortune Ornaments |
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Save money by purchasing 3! |
3 Ornaments
[ORN-STRP-3]
$25.50
SALE! $23.00
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Ornaments also sold individually: |
1 Ornament
[ORN-STRP]
$9.00 |
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Teardrop Woven Sisal Christmas Ornaments
$8.00 each
These colorful, hand-made Christmas ornaments will add cheer to your tree, mantle or wreath,
while helping create peace and prosperity for women in Rwanda.
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Banana Trays / Baskets
You'll find these banana leaf trays / baskets useful for many tasks. Having company? Serve your
goodies with these sturdy banana leaf weavings. Great for everyday decorating.
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Magazine Rack
Our banana leaf magazine rack is practical, decorative and has excellent social and environmental benefits - and a great price!
12" wide x 8" long x 16" high
BSK-RW-MAGRACK
$40.00 plus a $1.50 handling fee for shipped orders.
(Sorry - out of stock.)
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Banana Leaf Coffee Tray
11" long x 9" wide x 2" high
BSK-RW-TRAY-COF-M
$30.00
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Oval Banana Leaf Tray
12.5" wide x 9.5" long x 2.5" high
BSK-RW-TRAY-OVL
$30.00
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Additional African Products!
We have many other fine gifts from Africa!
Also from Rwanda are banana leaf greeting cards (right).
The production of finely beaded boxes and bowls in Kenya
(see artisan photo at left),
contributed to the receipt of 'Overall Joint Winner',
along with 'Best for Poverty Reduction' in the highly competitive First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards to Ol Malo Lodge and Trust.
Also from those Kenyan artisans is a special Samburu Table Setting Package of beautifully beaded placemats, napkin rings and
wind candles (photo right). We've put these on sale so you can create an extra-special holiday table.
If you're more interested in baskets, check out our elephant grass gaskets from Ghana.
Also new this year are Kente cloth angels.
From Uganda, we have recycled paper journals and photo albums.
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43 Ellicott Ave 