PEMBE: Handwoven Black Wool and Sisal Stripe Tote Bag

This black and white geometric bag is hand woven by a member of a family run weaving co-operative in Eastern Region of Kenya. Use yours for gym sessions, summer beach jaunts and for popping to the shops.

Drawing upon the skills of an extremely talented labour force and using only locally-available materials, our basket bags are 100% Kenyan. The fine skills used to produce these oversized handbags are passed from grandmothers to granddaughters, and so each bag tells a unique story of collaboration and ethics. These basket bags take up to six days to complete before cow hide straps are crafted and fitted at a local leather works. The coloured wool used comes from repurposed jumpers and synthetic yarns, and seven balls of indigenous sisal grass form the base of each patterned strand.

The women in the weaving cooperative mainly come from farming families, reliant mainly on the production of crops as a source of income - but during times of drought they can struggle to produce enough harvest. Weaving is an alternative income for these women and their families, generating money to pay for school fees and food, but also bringing empowerment.

Want to know more about the people behind the baskets? Meet the weavers here. 

Material:  Sisal and Wool (Upcycled and Synthetic), Leather Straps

Dimensions: 40cm W X 30cm H approx (width is measured at the widest part of the bag) 

Strap Length: 29cm approx

Leather used is a by-product of the food industry.

Please note, as this is a handmade product, dimensions & colour may vary from those shown in the photographs.

FAIR TRADE AND HANDMADE IN KENYA