Feature Artisan

sweety Mankin Nokrek

Meet Sweety Mankin Norek, a member of the Gaira Dikka (guy-ra dee-ka) artisan group-- co-creators of our exquisite smoked terra cotta elephant pots.  Sweety's father founded the group of Garo (gah-ro) artisans who have their own distinct language and culture.  By blending their traditional skill of grass weaving with terra cotta pottery, Sweety and her co-workers have created a product for the modern market.

Sweety helps with the smoked terra cotta process and also does the accounting.  With her earnings, she covers her college expenses and helps to send her younger siblings to school.

Click here to view additional artisan stories from our national Ten Thousand Villages website.

Making the Most of Mud with Joomchash Gardening

The Garo people of northern Bangladesh practice joomchash (inter-cropping) - making the most of mud in a densely populated area. Crops that mature at different times are grown in the same space, yielding beans, squash, corn, tomatoes, pineapples and rice from one garden plot.

Practice Joomchash In Your Garden

Plant squash or bean seeds along walls, lattices or fences where vines can climb.  Fill small planters with tomato and herb seedlings (available at your local greenhouse) and place them on windowsills, verandahs, and patios.

Ten Thousand Villages helps you  make the most of mud with beautiful planters, birdbaths, and garden sculptures-handcrafted for discriminating gardeners like you!