Uganda

Item #s:4803050, 4803010, 4800040, 4800180

Natural and dyed raffia palm leaves are woven to create the unique checkered design of these baskets. Colored baskets are traditionally used for gift-giving to friends and relatives for holidays and special events. Made by Uganda Crafts, an organization managed by the disadvantaged that helps the disadvantaged.

$24.00-$48.00

Kisii Stone Sculptures

Kenya

Item #s: 4100660, 4109170, 4130180, 4106130

This sculpture is carved from kisii soapstone, found only in Kenya. Kisii is a soft stone, easy to carve into many forms. Its satiny finish is achieved through multiple stages of sanding, followed by waxing. In some cases, artisans also apply color. Kisii stone products are crafted by artisans from Undugu Society, a community development organization that addresses the needs of the urban poor. Started in 1973, Undugu is a Kiswhaili word meaning solidarity and brotherhood. Undugu touches thousands of underprivileged Kenyans through small enterprise development, informal skills training, affordable shelter, job creation, and health programs.
 

$18.00-$145.00

Indonesia

Item #s: 6905480, 6905630, 6905470, 6908210

Using a batik process similar to that used with fabric, artisans create intricate designs on these products from Indonesia. The multi-phase process is painstaking, yielding a distinctive finish and appearance. First artisans clean the wood surface, after which they sketch the design, in pencil, on the wood. After this they apply wax to the area not to be dyed, and paint on color with a brush or by soaking. The wax is removed by peeling or with boiling water. For designs with multiple colors, artisans repeat these steps.

$34.00-$250.00