Friday, March 30, 2007
Out of Africa
Traditional Textiles from Tanzania
Put a little of the savannah on your sofa with pillows from Tanzanian charity Haba Na Haba. The textiles are hand-crafted treasures, made from sustainable resources native to Tanzania.
Products are primarily manufactured by small, women-owned businesses that provide on-the-job training to at-risk young adults. The organization donates 10% of profits to Tanzanian non-profit agencies that provide educational opportunities to young Tanzanian women and youth, many orphaned by AIDS.
Haba Na Haba’s current featured artist, Flotea Massawe started her business literally from scratch—begging merchants for scraps of fabric so that she could sew. She hired homeless orphaned teens and trained them in manufacturing skills. Now, Flotea’s textile workshop, based in Dar es Salaam, produces high quality home furnishings and clothing sold internationally. Her pillow designs draw on patterns found in nature throughout Tanzania. Another of Haba Na Haba’s offerings is a line of cushion covers made from handwoven Kuba ceremonial cloth. Tablecloths and runners round out the selection.
Posted by admin at 01:50 PM under fabrics & linens • green
