Placemats Made with a Sustainable Swazi Mountain Grass Called Lutindz (Medium 11 inches) (Teal)

Description

In the beautiful mountains of Swaziland hundreds of women can be found weaving colorful baskets, bowls, place settings and mats. Using highland grasses, the artistry of weaving is an indigenous heritage, past down from mother to daughter, and yet these incredible women innovate, creating a modern interpretation of this age-old tradition The result is contemporary African artistry that will grace your home. Behind the tactile weaves is a powerful story. What started as a small local business working with 30 women has evolved into a company providing income for over 760 rural Swazi women. With the founding of a non-profit organization Gone Rural bo Make in 2007, an even greater impact has been made on the women’s lives and their communities through the investment in local social, health and education programs. In 2011 Gone Rural won a coveted SMME Africa Award in the Trade Sector. The vision behind the Gone Rural is to support empowered and economically independent Swazi women who can be a voice for positive change in their communities. This is the driving factor behind the innovation both in product development and with the business model that is pioneering a new future for Africa. The 20113 Gone Rural collection has expanded to include recycled materials along with the grasses, including re-purposed fabrics, sequins made from plastic water bottles and other found materials. Gone Rural has been a member of the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) since 2006. WFTO mission is to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting Fair Trade Organizations, and speaking out for greater justice in world trade.