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Rann Kala
The Art of the Desert
Several northwestern regions of India were completely destroyed by a massive earthquake in January 2001. It was the most severe earthquake (out of more than 90 earthquakes) to hit Kutch in 185 years. The area affected is called the Rann of Kutch, a seasonally marshy saline clay desert located in the Thar Desert, in the state of Gujarat, India. It is the home of 3 artisan cooperatives: the Kala Raksha vocational school of art, Qasab and WAMA. Now, years later, the artisans have rebuilt their lives and dreams thanks to their traditional art: fine mirror-work embroidery, traditional weaving and leather work.
WAMA
The Women Artsians’ Marketing Agency is located in the heart of the Kutch area of Gujarat, India. After the earth quake, much of this area was destroyed, and the women artisans belonging to this agency relied on their art to raise funds for rebuilding. WAMA has also served as a keeper of traditional embroidery, making sure the art does not go extinct.
Handmade Expressions has partnered with this group to help them make a living from their art. Through dialogue, we have been able to develop unique products such as the World Peace Bags. We also carry their more traditional fine embroidery bags, which can be seen in the list below. Through Fair Trade, this group has been able to keep their art alive, rebuild their villages after a catastrophe, and learn about new designs that make their products more marketable in the Western world.
Qasab
This group of artisans practice very intricate mirror-work embroidery. In earlier times, this beautiful art was used to make dowry items for brides-to-be. It was considered too precious to be sold to outsiders. However, fair trade policies, a growing respect and appreciation for the art, and the need to rebuild after a devastating natural disaster compelled the local people to share their art with the rest of the world.
Due to the lack of employment opportunities in these regions of India, many people resort to working in agriculture, which is seasonal and crops are often affected by drought. However, with mirror-work embroidery, over 2500 artisans living in villages across this region are revitalizing this traditional craft for sustainable livelihood.
This art has now helped the artisans obtain a dignified social standing. It has also promoted the development and independence of women by making them self-sufficient, decision-makers in their communities.
The following is a video that documents one of our trips to this region:
To see the “Art of the Desert”, please browse the list below:
$ 10.00
Mandala Wallet
NEW PRODUCT!
Rich, traditional embroidery with mirror work. Assorted colors. 2 card slots.
SIZE: 4" x 3"
MOQ: 3
MATERIALS: Cotton
$ 13.00
Shibori Tassel Scarves
These lightweight, 100% cotton scarves come in three colors: fuchsia with an ellipse pattern, indigo with a zig zag pattern, and turquoise with a diagonal pattern.
$ 11.00
Crinkled Shibori Tie-dye Scarves
Colorful and trendy, this scarf comes is two colorways: blue and fuchsia.
$ 10.00
Shibori Scarves
Named after the technique used to make them, these light, cotton scarves are easy and breezy for the summer. ACS 105 is deep blue and has a zig zag pattern down the right side, ACS 107 is light blue with diagonal lines that span the width of the scarf,...
$ 12.00
Color Splash Photo Frame
These frames are wrapped with recycled sari fabric, most sport fine embellishments such as embroidery or sequins. Holds a 4" x 6" photo under glass.This is a Fair Trade product made by artisans in India. The artisans are compensated fairly for their work, and are given development help...
$ 24.00
Colorful Peace Wallets
We've made our original peace wallet even better with color options! These handmade tri-fold wallets have six slots that house cards as well as a space for bills. Closes with a snap. Comes in a set of 3 wallets (one of each color)- Made of cotton
- 4"...
$ 8.00
Assorted Cloth Wallet
These trendy, functional wallets come in an array of different colors and designs, perfect for anyone’s style. All designs of this tri-fold wallet have a zipper pocket on the back for coins and closes in the front with a magnetic snap. The inside has 5 pockets to...
$ 6.00
Script Wallet
This cotton wallet comes in one design: a parchment-colored background with Sanskrit script writing in black and red. It is bi-fold, without a clasp, and offers plenty of pockets for credit cards, gift cards, cash and IDs. Inside the wallet there are pops of a wine-red color to accent the...
$ 9.00
Peace Wallet
This off-white, tri-fold wallet is made of cotton with an embroidered red peace sign outlined in yellow on the front. It closes with a silver-colored clasp and unfolds to the left first. Inside there are 6 pockets total to hold credit cards, IDs and gift cards; there are three pockets...
$ 4.00
Kutch Bookmark
This bookmark is made of a thick piece of cloth that comes in assorted colors. It is finely stitched into a neat rectangular shape. The bottom of the cloth has 5 tassels hanging from it. In the middle, there are assorted designs of fine mirror work and embroidery. This is...
$ 10.00
Shibori Cotton Scarves
These are 100% cotton scarves embellished with fine tie-dye. They have a soft feel and come in four colors: Black and white, pink, blue, and green.
This is a Fair Trade product made by artisans in India. The artisans are compensated fairly for their work, and are given development help...
$ 12.00
World Peace Bags
Modern patterns are embroidered using traditional embroidery stitches on a handloom fabric, making the bag an interesting blend of traditional art and modern design. The inside of the bag is lined using handblock printed fabric in contrast colors.The bag also has a small zipped pocket inside. The flap of the...
$ 8.00
Spiral Button Down Coin Purse
Silk coin purse with embroidered spiral designs. This embroidery is intricate and fine.
This is a Fair Trade product handcrafted by artisans in India. The artisans are compensated fairly for their work, and are given development help to help their communities rise above poverty.
Composition: Silk
...
$ 22.00
Green Woolen Dobby
These stoles are woven with fine wool threads in the Himalayan regions of India. They are given a very rich feel. The patterns are woven into the body of the stoles.
Artisans receive a living wage and work under safe conditions. Fair trade allows them to practice their art and...
$ 6.50
Peace Coin Purse
The Peace Coin Purse is the perfect place to keep all of that extra change! The coin purse is off-white with an embroidered red peace sign outlined in yellow on the front. It unsnaps upward and has a pocket on the inside. This product’s lightweight and flexible cotton material makes...
$ 7.00 - $ 10.00
Traditional Dolls
Sell out Risk moderate!
These dolls are dressed and decorated in the traditional daily attire of the women from the rural region of north western India. Every small detail is taken into account from their hairstyle, to jewelry to...
$ 4.00
Mirror Work Key Chain
Intricate thread and mirror work embellish this key chain. It has a small hanging bell at the end. It comes in assorted colors and designs.
Artisans working on these key chains receive a fair wage and work under safe conditions. Fair trade has opened a market for their products, helping...
$ 6.00
Card Holder
*Please note: this product is out of stock until mid-June*
This is a fair trade, handmade card holder. It is made from cruelty free leather (leather from animals that died naturally). The holder has three compartments, and it is embellished with fine patterns hand embossed by village artisans.
The artisan...
Member of the Green Business Network
Member of Fair Trade Federation