About our home goods
Iringa Baskets
Iringa Baskets are handwoven by women in the agricultural highland region of Iringa, Tanzania.
Iringa baskets are woven with a reed grass known as milulu which grows abundantly along the lush highland river banks.
Milulu grass is sustainably harvested and dried in the sun giving it a soft tan color. Some of the milulu grasses are naturally dyed with brighter colors and woven together with the tan grass to make the intricately patterned baskets.
We source these baskets directly from the women that weave them.
Traditionally, these baskets have been used to store grains, to decorate the walls of houses, and to carry produce to and from the market. They are also gifted to new brides by the mother, aunties, grandmothers, sisters or any other female family member.
These beautiful gifts are made to be cherished by families for decades.
Zanzibar Cushions
Sasik Cushion Covers are handmade in Stonetown, Zanzibar by the Sasik Women's Cooperative. The technique used is known as appliqué, whereby pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn or stuck onto a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. It it commonly used as decoration, especially on garments. The intricate designs are based on Arabic and Swahili influences, and also Stonetown's architectural details.
According to Sasik Zanzibar, "Sasik began in 1994 when Saada Abdullah Suleiman taught her self to do appliqué work and encouraged her friends and family to join her. A grant from the Tanzania Gatsby Trust, (Based in the UK) helped to set-up the workshop where 12 women learned Saada’s technique and began creating the Sasik look. Sasik is the most successful women’s craft co-operative in Zanzibar, creating elaborate furnishing covers and wall hangings based on Arabic designs."
For more: http://sasikzanzibar.blogspot.com/
Moroccan Rugs
Our vintage rugs are sourced from various shops in Marrakech Morocco. We source Azilal, Boucherouite and Beni Ouarain rugs. They are handmade by Berber women in the Atlas mountains. The minimalistic and abstract images are expressions of the natural environment and translate the joy, fear and aspirations of the weaver. They are unique pieces of modern art to decorate your floor or wall.
These rugs are in well-loved vintage condition (10-50 years old). There may be slight discoloration, minor irregularities or imperfections, loose threads, or natural wear that add to their one-of-a-kind nature.