These mortar and pestle sets from Tara Projects are carved and polished from gorara stone. Their solid shape and heavy weight make them a practical tool for everyone's kitchen - from the creative chef, to the herbalist, to the curious child. Marble appearance with earth-tone colors. The Mortar and Pestle has historically proved to be a necessary tool in India, where for centuries communities have practiced ayrudevedic herbal medicine and complimented their diets with rich spices. The pestle is used to grind and blend small grains, herbs, and pastes.
Country of Origin: India Dimensions: 3" diameter x 2.65" tall
Set of six placemats tied together with two vetiver bundles. The natural colors and Simplicity in design make these placemats an ideal match to most kitchen decors. Handmade in Bali, this placemat set from Zen Zen is made with vetiver, a deep growing and naturally aromatic root, endowed with a magical stress-relieving aroma. Vetiver is also used by the Zen Zen Forest Conservation Club and other environmental projects to protect de-forested land from erosion. Placemats can be hand or machine-washed. Makes a great housewarming or holiday gift.
Country of Origin: Indonesia Dimensions: approx. 6" dia., 18 1/2" wide, 13 3/4" long
A unique alternative to mass-produced cards, these sustainably harvested, handmade lokta paper cards are a beautiful combination of traditional craft skills and natural materials. Handcrafted in Nepal from Himalayan lokta (daphne) bush, the production of lokta paper from the Himalayan Daphne shrub has become an important source of income for farmers and artisans throughout Nepal. Because it regenerates quickly, the plant can be sustainably harvested despite the fragile nature of Nepal's mountain ecosystem, bringing much needed income to rural areas. Each set has six cards and self-adhesive envelopes.
Country of Origin: Nepal / Tibet Dimensions: 4 3/8" x 6"
By Subcomandante Marcos Illustrated by Domitilia Domi-nguez & Antonio Ramirez Once again sharing the wisdom of Old Man Antonio and his Mayan heritage, Subcomandante Marcos shares two more stories from the Zapatista rebellion against the Mexican Government -- "The Story of Questions" and "The Story of the Sword, the Tree, the Stone and the Water." "The Story of Questions" relates how two gods, Ik'al and Votan, wander the earth wrapped forever in each other's arms. These two gods are the Ying and the Yang, the yes and the no, the night and the day of the Mayan universe. Antonio says, When they got here they made themselves one and gave themselves the name of Zapata. "The Story of the Sword, the Tree, the Stone and the Water" is an ancient parable that demonstrates how the indigenous peoples of Mexico can finally defeat the European invader. The tree, for instance, tried to fight the sword, but was defeated. The stone likewise tried to fight the sword, but was defeated. But not the water. It follows its own road, it wraps itself around the sword and, without doing anything, it arrives at the river that will carry it to the great water where the greatest of gods cure themselves of thirst, those gods that birthed the world, the first ones. Mexican writer Elena Poniatowska and Native American poet Simon Ortiz contribute commentary to explain the significance of the Zapatista Rebellion to the 21st Century. They also discuss the use of folklore and artistic expression to expand our understanding of political thought. Well-known Mexican artists Domitila Dominguez and Antonio Ramirez, co-directors of the Colectivo Callejero in Guadalajara, each illustrated one of the stories. The Colectivo is dedicated to expanding the understanding of revolutionary thought through artistic expression. For more information, visit Global Exchange's Mexico Campaign.
(one pound) A hearty, yet compassionate cup, combining Peruvian (sweetness), Guatemalan (smoky) with Costa Rican French Roast (for a little bite!)
Price: 8.00
Purchased during a Global Exchange direct buying trip to Thailand, this wallet was made by a young couple living in Chiang Mai. Sales of this wallet contribute to their livelihood and improved standard of living. Wallets are made from local cans in the region.
Wallet details: Snap closure. Interior made of synthetic leather. Two side pockets, four credit cards pockets. One small zip pocket for change. Billfold section with two compartments, one compartment has zipper enclosure.
If you are looking for a unique product for your retail store, please check out this item in our Wholesale section.
Country of Origin: Thailand Dimensions: 4 1/2� x 3 1/2�
Choice Fair Trade, Organic Chai comes from gardens tended by traditional methods. Without chemicals, tea growers practice careful topsoil management and weed control, creating a balanced environment. With expertise and very diligent care, they achieve exceptional teas and spices. Choice Teas are certified as organically grown by an independent third party. Every aspect of the cultivation, handling and packaging is carefully inspected to insure the integrity of this product from the gardens of origin to your cup. Fair Trade guarantees fair wages for workers, improving their opportunities for better healthcare, housing, and education. By choosing Fair Trade tea, you are directly contributing to the livelihood of tea growing communities. Choice Chai is independently certified by TransFairUSA.Chai is an Indian-style spiced tea. �Chai� or �Cha� are the words for tea in several eastern languages. In India and Nepal, �chai� is a daily beverage and refers to black tea that is brewed with aromatic spices and milk. It is usually generously sweetened and can vary in taste and style between regions. Ingredients: A full blend of Black Teas from Ceylon*, Assam*, and East Africa*; Cardamom*, Cinnamon*, Ginger*, Clove*, Black Pepper*. (*Organically grown and processed in accordance with the California Organic Food Act of 1990). (2.1oz - makes 20 servings)
Price: 6.99
Tanya Roberts-Davis In their own words and drawings, Nepalese children talk about their early years in poverty-stricken villages, their work as virtual slaves in carpet factories in Kathmandu, and how they felt when they were given a chance to attend school and pursue their dreams for the future. These children vividly remember the day their lives changed for the better � the day a Rugmark inspector came into the factory and asked them whether they wanted to go to school. The children describe their fear of the unknown, the loneliness of being taken to a school where they knew no one, and finally the joy of having what North American children take for granted: sufficient food, clean water, the opportunity to learn, the time to play, and the chance to fulfill dreams for the future.
In 1999, 16-year-old Tanya Roberts-Davis traveled to Nepal, where she lived with former child carpet weavers. During that time, she collected the children's poems, drawings and stories, which she has assembled in this book. Tanya has been a children's advocate since she started raising money for Oxfam in primary school.
"This is one of the most moving and gripping books on child labor that it's been my privilege to read. The beautiful web of stories and poetry reveals, with unexpected emotive power, both the tales of horror and the abiding hope of the Rugmark children. The simplicity of expression takes one's breath away, the love for education is extraordinarily powerful, the illustrations are evocative, and the introductory narrative puts it all in context. It is said that the book is for children nine to fourteen: don't believe it. This is a book for everyone." -- Stephen Lewis (former Deputy Director of UNICEF) For more information, visit Global Exchange's Fair Trade Campaigns.
Paperback: 48 Pages, Maps, B&W Photos and Illustrations Throughout Published: 2001,
Price: 15.95
With respect to artisan�s local life-style, traditions and environment, Zen Zen works with communities in Bali, Indonesia educating local villagers in conservation, sustainable development and organic farming. Scent your drawers with the soothing and romantic scent of vetiver, hand made in Bali, Indonesia. Spice up your own drawers and share with others. This colorful set of three sachets in traditional fabrics is ribbon-tied together and they're an inexpensive gift that makes scents!
This pack of desert sage contains 4 individual baby smudges - burn them to produce smoke that will purify your body, home, office, or spiritual space. This smudge bundle is 100% natural aromatic botanicals and was gathered in an ecologically sound and respectful way. The plants are not harmed and nothing is wasted. These bundles are made as tools for empowerment. Enjoy! More about smudges: Smudge bundles are all-natural ceremonial incense traditionally burned in Native American rituals such as sweat lodges. Increasingly, doctors, therapists, and body workers are discovering the beneficial aspects of these herbs. Smudge bundles are one of the means by which people around the globe are reconnecting with the power of Mother Nature.
The use of plant and resin smoke possibly evolved out of the primordial campfires from distant caves. The ceremony of cleansing people, places, and objects through smoke is continued today. Not only good for keeping pesky flying insects away, certain plant smokes (smudges) could preserve food and hides. Some smudges could also impart protection from unseen spirits and thoughts. To apply the protective cleansing power of a smudge, a leaf or resin was heated to make smoke that was brushed over the person or object often with a feather fan. Some plant smokes had specific healing properties while others had more generic powers. The smudge smoke is made either by spreading dry herbs on hot coals or hot rocks or igniting dry hers in a clay bowl or shell.
Country of Origin: Native America Dimensions: 3.5" (each bundle)
Two salad serving hands carved from wild olivewood by a collective of wood carvers in and around Nairobi, Kenya. Each piece is carved from one chunk of wild olivewood, which is a rich, warm wood native to Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It is heavy and dense, making it durable and long lasting.
This handy Fair Trade sewing kit, the first of its kind, was handcrafted by women from the remote mountain villages of Tipling and Sherthung in Nepal. All net proceeds support their livelihood, provide primary health care, and sustain adult literacy classes through Himalayan HealthCare. This project addresses a consciousness toward world ecology by assisting a developing country in supporting its local handicraft, through the use of recycled materials.
The Spiral Foundation is dedicated to improving the educational and training skills of young people in Vietnam and Nepal. A conscious effort is made to maintain local cultures and traditions while assisting people in the development of their handicraft skills.
Each sewing kit contains 10 different colored threads, safety pins, extra buttons, sewing needles and threader, in addition to a tweezer, recycled sewing notepad & pencil, and a tape measure. All this, and you get a handmade case as well! The case is made from handspun black sheep's wool, that zips securely closed for easy transport. While the wool is hand-spun in nearby villages, the kits are assembled in Katmandu. An economical and practical gift that you won't find anywhere else!
Country of Origin: Nepal Dimensions: 3" x 5" when zipped
Made in the Balinese village of Singapadu, these hand-crafted sterling silver heart-shaped earrings are entirely hand-fabricated, so no two pairs are alike. Each piece of jewelry begins with tiny silver pellets. Small balls are soldered onto the surface of the piece with perfect control of the torch - a technique held in awe by metal smiths worldwide. Hangs from hand-formed sterling silver French wires. Choose a Native Leaf Jewelry Bag to make your gift extra special.
This vibrant silk crocheted scarf was handmade in the Himalayan region of Nepal and brought to you by Cheppu Himal. When you purchase Cheppu Himal products, you are helping to support not only fair trade, but also contributing to a school in Nepal.
When the Cheppu workshop first began production, only 50 students attended the Children's Model School in Kathmandu. Now, over 200 students of all ages from grades Kg to 12 are in attendance. A portion of the proceeds from the business helps fund the school and provides scholarships. Scarf pictured reflects the actual color combination of each scarf, though slight variations may occur since each one is one-of-a-kind.
Country of Origin: Nepal Dimensions: approx. 60" x 7"
Karen Tribe silver necklace with multiple swirl designs, often seen in hilltribe crafts of Northern Thailand and nearby countries. Purchased during a Global Exchange direct buying trip to Thailand. Check out the matching earrings as well.
