Ethiopia, a magnificent and ancient country
on the Horn of Africa, is unique in history. Humankind evolved on its
rugged landscape; its written script was the first in Africa; it is
home to 78 languages, including five ancient ecclesiastical languages.
A great diversity of cultural and religious life evolved over the millennia,
and world-famous canons of literature, music, painting, and dance.
Hippos paddle in its deep crater lakes; flamingos circle the shores
in pink clouds; black-and-white Colobus monkeys, with black Amish beards,
nest in the trees.
Unfortunately, today, Ethiopia looks
like much of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, only worse. Half of children
under five suffer from the stunting effects of malnutrition; 78 percent
of the citizenry lack access to clean water; 87 percent lack access
to decent sanitation; and, 69 percent of elementary-school age children
do not go to school. Most schools in the country do not possess a single book. The adult literacy rate in the country is 43 percent.
The people are diligent and desperate to learn and to work, but the economy
is stagnant.
Woven Ethiopian Arts Vision |WEAV|
is dedicated to providing a living wage to Ethiopian
weavers so that they can have the ability to provide food, shelter
and medicine for themselves and their families. Proceeds from the sale
of our woven goods are given to charitable organizations and foundations
that are aiding in the fight against poverty in African communities.
Woven Arts in Ethiopia is a long time tradition deeply ingrained in
Ethiopian culture. Each of our products is made by hand or using traditional
Ethiopian looms. Considerable care and time is taken making each woven
good to ensure its quality and beauty. We hope you find each Ethiopian
woven good as beautiful as we do.
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