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Sharing the passion and soul of needlecrafts. |
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Sharing the passion and soul of needlecrafts. |
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(Zulu woman in South Africa carrying her basket to market. This is an “ukhamba” basket traditionally used to hold liquid and represents around 4 months of work for her; shown left.)
Cael further explains the mission of Baskets of Africa: "Long term, sustainable support of the mostly women weavers is of utmost importance to us. We believe that when you help the mother, you help the children. Most of the weavers are subsistence farmers so one of the first things that weavers use their income for is more seed or fertilizer for their fields, or to buy chickens or a goat in order to better provide for their families. The second most common thing that the women spend their money on is school fees, uniforms, books and supplies for their children to attend school." "By supporting weavers in developing countries, we are also helping to preserve part of their cultural heritage. Every distinct culture has at one point or another woven baskets for form and function. Now, many of these surviving basket weaving cultures have elevated their originally utilitarian baskets to a level of art form. In every group we work with, we directly encourage originality and creativity. We believe each lovingly handcrafted basket should speak as a creative expression of its weaver."
Please take advantage of the special offer below. By supporting weavers in developing countries, we are helping to preserve part of their cultural heritage.
Baskets of Africa
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Cael Chappel has been working with African Arts and
Crafts for 15 years and started Baskets of Africa 5 years ago as a way to
support indigenous weavers throughout Africa. Baskets of Africa
celebrates its 5-year anniversary in April and has a strong commitment to
continue on for many, many more years. "I wanted to help financially
support small, rural producer groups in a manner that also helps to
preserve their cultural traditions of weaving beautiful, useful baskets. I
knew from my travels in Africa that by working with small, rural groups I
would be able to affect real change in the lives of the weavers and their
families in these areas," explains Cael.
Baskets of Africa offers a wide variety of visually
stunning handcrafted baskets. Zulu telephone wire baskets -- bright,
washable and sturdy baskets using recycled plastic-coated wire, and Kenyan
beaded wire baskets -- wire-manipulated baskets traditionally given at
weddings, are just two examples of what Baskets of Africa offers.