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Karakorum
Meet Karakorum. We travel the world looking for unique and contemporary artisan crafts that you can feel good about. From highly decorative candles to hand-crafted Moroccan lanterns and colourful African baskets ? our entire range is fairly traded and ethically sourced.
Large Ugandan decorative wall plate
    Features
  • Ethically Sourced
  • Natural and sustainable dyes 
  • Made from Sustainable Sisal
  • Supports local Communities in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Strong and long lasting
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Description
These large grass-woven shallow trays have been handmade by a group of women in a rural community bordering Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. 

*Natural and sustainable dyes
All of the colours that you see in these baskets are made naturally using traditional knowledge of herbs. Two different types of grass are used, one to give structure and one for the detail.

*Approximate size
Medium - Approximately 30cm wide and 3 cm deep
Large - Approximately 40cm wide and 3 cm deep
Extra large - Approximately 50cm wide and 3 cm deep

* Please note that these are handmade and therefore sizes may vary slightly

Beautiful things should belong to beautiful souls. 
Muriel Barbery

These ethnic African baskets certainly are beautiful, ethical and perfect for those who appreciate art. So, make sure to buy one (or more!) if you would like something special in your home or a charming gift for your loved ones.

*Fair trade benefits to the artisans
Creation of Nkuringo Weavers, members of Nkuringo community, on the edge of Bwindi National Park, Uganda.

By buying this product you are supporting local families, who have seen their income from tourism plummet dramatically from covid pandemic, and subsequently the effort to protect the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi National Park.

Each basket typically takes a weaver 4 days to complete between other household tasks (the average Ugandan woman spends 9 hours a day on household tasks). Last year the extra income generated helped cover family medical bills, buy clothes and even employ extra help so that they could focus more time on weaving!

*How your purchase can make a difference
Uganda is one of the poorest nations in the world. In 2012, 37.8 percent of the population lived on less than $1.25 a day. Despite making enormous progress in recent years, poverty remains deep-rooted in the country's rural areas, which are home to 84 percent of Ugandans. 
Bwindi Handmade Crafts is committed to promoting and empowering the groups that they work with so that they have a secure and sustainable source of income. By buying one of these baskets you are playing an important part in ensuring that this happens.

* How these baskets are made
These craft items have been made by a small group of Batwa women who live on the borders of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South West Uganda. The Batwa people traditionally lived off the forest's resources until it was made a conservation area in the early 90's and they were forced to leave the forest and survive outside. These women use their knowledge of herbs to make the natural dyes for the grasses and the traditional weaving skills passed down from mother to daughter for generations.
The baskets are made from two types of grass - a thicker stronger grass for the structure and the thinner more pliable one for weaving it together and creating the beautiful patterns that you see.

* Care
Our baskets are sturdy, strong, and flexible, made to withstand constant use. If properly cared for, your basket will live a long life.
Dust your woven basket on a regular basis, wiping with a damp cloth if necessary. No other cleaning should be necessary.
Changes in temperature and humidity may cause your basket to expand and contract, which may make securing the lid difficult at times. Be patient and wait for the weather to change or remove from areas with high humidity.
What is eBay for Change?
We?ve have partnered with Social Enterprise UK and the World Fair Trade Organisation to develop eBay for Change?a programme designed to support the growth of the social enterprise sector. Every purchase from an eBay for Change social enterprise will have a direct positive impact on supporting disadvantaged communities?whether that?s providing job or training opportunities to people who are distant from the labour market, tackling social problems like homelessness and exclusion, or improving people?s life chances, or supporting enviromental action. Be part of the change.
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