Essential Companion Tote

DESCRIPTION: Woven medallions are a handsome addition to this well-crafted palm leaf shopping basket. Strong sewn leather straps make a sturdy basket that will last.  

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Measurement: 14" L x 9" W x 9" H 
• Materials: Leather straps + Palm leaf fiber 

IMPACT: Made with love in Bangladesh ♥ Ten Thousand Villages is a global maker-to-market movement that addresses economic injustice. They are a pioneer of fair trade, they do business differently, putting people and the planet first. That means you can trust that every purchase you make directly impacts the life and community of its maker in an under-resourced community. Together we break the cycle of generational poverty and ignite social change. #LiveLifeFair

THE MAKER: Rishilpi, a nonprofit, nongovernmental development organization in southwest Bangladesh, was founded to improve the lives of people of the Rishi caste. "Rishilpi" is formed from two Bengali words, "Rishi," denoting the caste, and "shilpi," meaning artist or craftsman. Rishi, traditionally leather workers, for centuries have lived at the margins of Bengali society. Generally landless, with no easy access to schools, many struggled in a continual search for work to survive. In addition to income generation, Rishilpi conducts relief and development work in rural Bangladesh communities. Benefits to artisans include education sponsorship, health care, microcredit savings programs and early marriage prevention support for their adolescent daughters. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Rishilpi Handicrafts Limited since 1983.