Description

Fair Trade Accessories – pouch – This beautiful fair trade pouch is made of Karen traditional woven fabric which used back-strap weaving technique by Karen village artisans in northern Thailand and made of 100% cotton. Buying this product provides the hill tribe communities with rural employment and support their families.

The Karen are the largest tribal group in Thailand with an estimated 321,000 living in Thailand. There are two major sub-tribes, namely Sgaw Karen and Pwo Karen. Karen women are noted for their ikat (tie-dye) weaving using cotton thread and natural dyes. The weaving is done on a back-strap loom. Karen living in different areas produce their own style of dresses, which give rich variety to handicrafts they produce. Some of them embroider using Job’s tears (seeds) for embellishment. Karen men produce baskets, musical instruments, betel nut boxes and animal bells.