WOVEN is a grassroots effort that supports and empowers Burmese refugee women as they weave traditional Karenni ethnic pieces locally in St. After fleeing to escape severe danger and persecution in their home country of Burma (Myanmar) and the refugee camps they were displaced in, these women came to St. Their method is known as back-strap weaving, which is done with various bamboo poles, wooden i
nstruments, and a strap that goes around the lower back to create the tension in which the thread is then held to construct the loom. Each item they weave has a unique pattern and is extremely intricate, involving 2 full days of tedious hand-work on the floor to produce just one woven item. As traditional weaving is an important part of the Burmese culture, these women hope to share their ancient handicraft within the St. Through this desire, WOVEN seeks to enable these refugee women with a sense of purpose and meaning in a world that is completely new, while also providing additional income for the women and their families.
**100% of all sales money goes directly back to the women and their families who weave these items. To learn about the oppression and severe injustice faced by the people of Burma read: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1300003.stm
Contact us at: [email protected]
![Another one-of-a-kind handwoven scarf that will be available on our upcoming online store launch! [no filter]](https://img4.financial1000.com/653/097/735245476530979.jpg)
