For Woven Stories I went to Ethiopia.
The prevailing philosophy behind the Woven Stories company is that everything that is sold has a 'story'.
That can be a story of the weaver or designer, a story about the design or the technology that is used to make it, the country or the culture from where it comes ...
Woven Stories wants to arouse interest in the craft, the various weaving techniques to the public and to share knowledge about the cultures from which the goods originate.
I traveled for Woven Stories to Ethiopia and Nepal, did the research and networking in advance and on the spot, looking for interesting and well-made hand-woven articles and handmade textile products but especially to local entrepreneurs who:
- work in a socially and ecologically responsible way for all employees and guarantee this permanently.
- have real stories with their product.
- FAIR TRADE, deliver handmade products.
One of the stories that I wrote for Woven Stories Ethiopia can be read under the photo series.
Abebe
Abebe takes control.
He is 30 years old and lives in Addis. He controls a block of looms and limits the stoppage of his loom. This heavy work is his pride and he has an eye for quality. The detailed decorations of the scarf represent a challenge that he will never shy away from. Abebe works in one of the workshops that the government makes available to cooperatives at a cheap price, he brings his own loom. Abebe and his friends often work for Meaza, a small women's company founded in 2008. Meaza exports handmade goods that reflect the rich culture and history of Africa, and in particular Ethiopia. With its company, Meaza also supports The Misrach Center, a center for people with disabilities. According to United Nations data, there are 6 million people with disabilities in Ethiopia. A large proportion of them live in conditions of great poverty. The main objectives of The Misrach Center are Adult people with disabilities train in a craft so that they can meet their own needs in the long term. Increase the chances of a better life for every person with a disability. Techniques that can teach, promote, promote, embrace and disseminate people with disabilities so that several people with disabilities can learn them.