fair trade art

Diverse scenes representative of the Ayacucho region of Peru comprise this handcrafted retablo, a unique style of Andean folk art. The altar-like composition is divided into several shelves, populated by colorful figures and expressions of native customs. In the upper space, Alejandro Chavez recreates the birth of Jesus, as men and women dressed in traditional Peruvian attire look on proudly. The frame is made from wood, while the artist uses ceramic figures and vibrant paints to evoke the vast tapestry of human emotions.

Evoking the orange and purples of a mountain sunset, Fernando Cano knits a sweater of vibrant geometry. He works in luxurious alpaca, long prized for its lightweight warmth. The open front forms a collar, which can be zipped to create a warm turtleneck.

A burst of bright colors declares the arrival of spring as flowers blossom everywhere. Bunnies, ducks and a bright orange parrot join the revelry as three friends have fun flying kites. Leonor Quispe details the joyful composition with three-dimensional figures as she crafts the cotton cushion cover with arpillería (appliqué) techniques. The cushion cover features a slit opening at the back.

Sharing facial features, a black and yellow mask symbolizes unity among races in the art of Kwaku Ofosuhene Apenteng. "I designed this mask as a symbol of the harmony that could exist between people of different origins. It is to inspire loyalty and friendliness," explains the Ghanaian artist as he carves the sese wood mask by hand.

Women working in textile studios in Rajasthan embroider and hand-bead the vintage fabric that adorns this colorful footstool, designed by Ganpat Mehta. Removable acacia wood legs make it easy to store, but a piece this versatile is likely to always find a use. Try it as a footstool, low table, or even extra seating at a party. Each footstool uses upcycled textiles in blue-green tones, but the unique materials ensure that no two designs will be exactly alike.

By Guillermo Arregui, this beautifully modern necklace is inspired by the art of Joan Miró. The artisan works in sterling silver to create an abstract, free-form pattern in a celebration of freedom.

.925 Sterling silver

Azure starflowers bloom on golden garlands in an Indian garden. Working with the techniques used in the Taj Mahal, Imran demonstrates the art of marble inlay as he crafts this elegant jewellery box by hand.

Please note that once carved, marble may progressively change its original hue from pristine white to ivory.

This hammock holds the promise of a well-deserved rest with its palette of cool and refreshing hues. From Maya Artists of the Yucatan, this ample cotton hammock is woven by hand according to age-old techniques.

Long before the Spanish arrived upon the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the hammock to be like the loving embrace of a mother, due to the comfortable manner in which the body is held and swung within its cradle. Maya Artists of the Yucatan seek to preserve time-honoured customs while also offering stylized versions of the original Maya hammock. For them, the hammock is a work of art. Their hammocks are incredibly comfortable, easy to maintain, and may be stored just about anywhere.

Please note: For best results, store indoors when not in use. colours may bleed when wet.

NOTE: Because each is woven individually by hand, measurements may vary by as much as ten centimeters. There may be slight colour variations from hammock to hammock.