Fair Trade from Artesania Sorata, Bolivia

Artesania Sorata, formerly registered with IFAT (International Federation of Fair Trade) are a Bolivian producer group, largely comprised of women. A small team started in 1978 in a rural area on the inhospitable Eastern slopes of the Andes, a place the conquistadors never settled, and now there are over 300 rural and urban artisans.

They still follow their original goals, which are to make traditional textiles and artwork to celebrate their Andean way of life and earn a reasonable living to support themselves and their families. Their way of life has not changed greatly except they now have more choice: the children can go to school; the women have classes in health, crafts and literacy; and they can buy healthier food.

All the steps in making the goods are done by hand and the wool comes from alpaca and sheep. The natural dyes create gorgeous colours with muted or striking contrasts, reflecting the individual woman's view of her Andean life. The quality of the work is exquisite.

Buy some of their lovely things and allow yourself a window on their wonderful, awesome landscape and a share in the joy that emanates from their work.

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