Embe Braided Raffia Tote

Our Embe Braided Raffia Tote is handwoven using raffia fibers that have been braided together to create a durable, fun carryall for all of your essentials! 13.5" W x 16" H (8" handle drop) Locally sourced raffia from palm trees Vegetable tanned leather handles Body of bag is flexible and unlined Due to it's handmade nature, some size and color variation may occur Behind The Design: Rwanda has a long history of craft. Traditionally passed down through generations of women, weaving has long been a form of artistic expression with very practical application. Raffia is a straw-like material found inside of a species of palm that grows abundantly across sub-Saharan Africa. The fiber is stripped from the palm leaf, dried in the sun, dyed (if desired), and woven. Because Raffia is soft, durable, and flexible it can be used in a variety of techniques from coil weaving to crochet. Impact The artisan sector is the second largest employer in the developing world. Yet the majority of artisans are