Our woven Baskets and Bowls  are made by a group of Rwanda genocide survivors (widows and orphans) and are made from natural raw materials that can be found and grown in Rwanda –including sisal fibers, sweet grass. Dyed with either natural plant pigments or vegetable and coffee powder which makes them unique .

BASKETS

These intricately-woven baskets serve many functions in Rwandan society – they are used as containers for grain and food products, as packages for small gifts, as markers for such new beginnings as weddings and baby christenings.  Today the basketRwanda hold much more than simple greetings between friends – these baskets symbolize a fresh start for a country that is moving beyond it’s painful past (Genocide).

PEACE BASKETS

The story behind the peace basket: After the genocide in Rwanda the women took up to weaving peace baskets. Not only the work, resulted in a regular income, the business also fostered reconciliation between victims and perpetrators.

That is why the peace baskets are named ‘peace baskets’ ; As the story goes, the women of Rwanda affectedby the genocide, one day got tired of crying and living in the past and decided to take control of their lives & futures.They gathered in unity, as one community, engaging in basket weaving to overcome their sorrow.They chose peace,reconciliation and better future for Rwanda.

These beautiful, handcrafted baskets have been a part of the Rwandan cultureforcenturies. Weaving these beautiful one-of-a-kind baskets is an intricate

and time-consuming process that requires much attention to detail on the part of each weaver.  These baskets are made from natural raw materials that all can be found growing in Rwanda – Natural color papyrus and black banana bark woven with sisal thread . Natural with black pattern.  These baskets represent designs that have been woven in many cases for centuries. The pettern symbolizes escorting each other along a path,stoping to chat with each others and continue on their way.Its a traditional motif with a new twist in a color.

Size: 12” tall X 7” diameter.

CATHEDRAL BASKETS

There are different version of these baskets, made of dyed sisal with natural sisal zig-zag pattern, braided loop on top. Wrapped and coil sewn over sisal.

They are meant to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Place this tiny sisal basket on a nightstand or vanity and use it to store jewelry or makeup.

They are also available as ornaments(in small sizes).These colourful,hand made chrismas ornament will add cheer to your tree while helping to create peace and prosperity for women in Rwanda.

size: 9” tall X 4.5” diameter

FRUIT BOWLS

These multipurpose bowls,come with different colors and patterns. Loop on back. Natural dyed sisal, wrapped and coil sewn over sweet grass. Weavers continue with their coiling, making ever larger circles as they expand their bowl outward and upward – changing needles and thread with every color change.

The sisal fibers come from the leaves of the sisal plant.  These leaves are harvested by the weavers themselves.The sisal fibers are taken from inside the sisal leaves – extracted with a combination of the machete blade and water poured over the leaf to help loosen the fibers.  Once extracted, sisal fibers are washed again and again to ensure that they are clean and white.The extracted fibers are then hung outside to dry.  The weaver then can choose to dye the fibers in a hot dye bath or leave them white to be used naturally.  Once the fibers are dyed, they are again hung to dry completely.

The functional uses of the basket are many.Use them to hold fruits,vegetables,bread,office supplies,art supplies or many other fuctions.The basket will be a source of conversation with family and friends as you share the vision of helping women work their way out of poverty through beautiful craftmanship

size: 12” diameter X 2.75” deep

RWANDAN GREETING CARDS and  JEWELRY

These beautiful, handcrafted greeting cards, recycled paper magazine bracelets, necklaces, and sisal disk necklaces are made by young people who have been orphaned by genocide or AIDS. They have different shapes,styles and colors.