ZIWA: Neo Mint Wool and Sisal Tote Bag
Description
With its cool minty green stripes and contrasting base in orange, ZIWA is one seriously stylish and laid-back woven tote. The ideal basket bag for taking to the gym, the market or the beach, this pastel-hued beauty was woven by a member of a family-run weaving co-operative in Eastern Region of Kenya.
Weaving each basket bag can take up to six days; this work fits in conveniently with the weavers’ other domestic jobs, childcare and farming duties. These yarn and sisal bags are then sent to a local tannery where cow hide shoulder straps are produced and attached by skilled leatherworkers. This buttery-soft leather used is a by-product of the food industry, otherwise destined for landfill.
The gift of basketry is one that transcends the generations, passed from grandmothers to mothers to daughters all over Kenya. In producing and selling our basket bags, the women of this cooperative are empowered to support their families with this reliable additional income – and work that is fair, creative and flexible.
Want to know more about the people behind the baskets? Meet the weavers here.
Material: Sisal and Yarn (Synthetic), Leather Straps
Dimensions: 40cmW X 30cmH 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
The weavers are our life force - the sheer spirit of THE BASKET ROOM and the raw talent behind every fair trade basket we sell. Every woven basket has been worked on exclusively by one weaver, and each basket is their very own work of art before it becomes yours. Woven meticulously over a number of days, your basket has accompanied its creator on their daily errands from home to field to farm, enabling the weavers to earn a precious second income without having to give up their other jobs and responsibilities.
We’ve searched far and wide to partner up with the most remarkable artisans and networks of weaving cooperatives in Africa. We’re proud and privileged to regularly spend time with them all - getting to know the people, the raw materials and the harvesting, dyeing and weaving processes, first-hand.
The weavers take centre stage. These are their stories. Listen and share.
Where Are The Baskets Made?
SHOP COLLECTIONS
