Tasar Silkworm Rearers Learn To Smile
Visitors to Dhovarni, a small village in the Santhal Parganas in the state of Jharkhand, India, would be struck by the stark poverty: poorly thatched shacks masquerading as homes, the total absence of roads (the nearest one being 5km away), no electricity, and no sanitation. Yet, the dwellers of this and neighboring villages are smiling.
The creators of our line of soft, colorful, silk scarves and cushion covers are a cooperative of artisans who are scattered across villages in the Santhal Parganas in Jharkhand. Living in forested and forest-fringed areas, the artisans lead a tribal lifestyle, far away from roads or modern infrastructure. Nevertheless, by spending an average of 60-90 days a year rearing silkworm cocoons and creating silk products, they have been able to obtain sustainable development.
Although harvesting the tasar silkworm cocoons has been a practice for generations, a drop in demand and prices almost forced these artisans to abandon this traditional art. However, fair trade practices have increased the demand for the tasar silk, allowing these skillful people to sell their silk in international markets and secure a sustainable income for themselves.
The artisans in these villages benefit from fair trade. They are able to practice and teach their art to younger generations while earning a living. Men no longer have to leave their families for months in search of wage labor and are able to afford modern machinery that aids them in growing crops and performing other tasks. Women become contributors to the household, feeling empowered because they are able to supply enough food for their families.
Resham Cushion Covers
These beautifully textured cushion covers are made by weaving fine silk threads. The silk threads are woven by hand in a very fine way, giving the texture a very soft...
Silk Love and Hope Scarves
These special scarves are made of 100% woven silk. The artisans that make them are very skilled and give them a soft feel. There are 2 variations for these scarves,...
Masuta Silk Scarf – MSS 107
This is a 100% hand-woven silk scarf. It has a soft feel, a testament of the great skill of the artisans who make this scarf.
This is a Fair Trade product...
Masuta Silk Scarf – MSS 103
These stoles have a beautiful texture and are made by weaving silk threads. The threads are first dyed with rich colors and then hand woven. Our partner artisans are very...
Masuta Silk Scarf – MSS 104
These stoles have a beautiful texture and are made by weaving silk threads. The threads are first dyed with rich colors and then hand woven. Our partner artisans are very...
Masuta Silk Scarf – MSS 105
These stoles have a beautiful texture and are made by weaving silk threads. The threads are first dyed with rich colors and then hand woven. Our partner artisans are very...
Masuta Silk Scarf – MSS 106
These stoles have a beautiful texture and are made by weaving silk threads. The threads are first dyed with rich colors and then hand woven. Our partner artisans are very...
Updating...
