Sustainable craftsmanship

We continue to be inspired by the pure workmanship and the uniqueness that every place and culture has. When people come together in unusual ways, new products are formed and Affari of Sweden's community grows. Everything is based on close collaboration with a foundation of respect, trust and good relationships.

The TRIBE collection

The women gathered in the shade of the cooling branches of the tree sing and chat while their hands carefully and methodically weave their creations. Sometimes work is interrupted for a spot of spontaneous dancing, and then activity recommences. The most magical items start to emerge. Each one has a free organic shape, completely unique and made by hand.

“Every craftsperson is an artisan - no two trays are the same.”

There is great professional pride and the trays displayed are labelled with the name of the person who wove them. New products find their place amongst existing collections. Everything is woven together into a new whole, in both senses of the word.

The TRIBE collection

The women gathered in the shade of the cooling branches of the tree sing and chat while their hands carefully and methodically weave their creations. Sometimes work is interrupted for a spot of spontaneous dancing, and then activity recommences. The most magical items start to emerge. Each one has a free organic shape, completely unique and made by hand.

“Every craftsperson is an artisan - no two trays are the same.”

There is great professional pride and the trays displayed are labelled with the name of the person who wove them. New products find their place amongst existing collections. Everything is woven together into a new whole, in both senses of the word.

Plant dyeing

Baskets and trays are made from the fronds and soft leaves of the ilala palm tree. First the palm leaf is cut off and boiled for a few hours. The dyes used come from plants that are added to the boiling water. The patterns reflect the culture of the region.

For all women

This craft is crucial as a means for all the women in the village to earn an income. The basket-weaving project supports all women, regardless of their situation. This includes women who have HIV/AIDS or a chronic disease, and also young mothers and married and single women. By weaving baskets and trays the women can provide their families a sustainable income.

Plant dyeing

Baskets and trays are made from the fronds and soft leaves of the ilala palm tree. First the palm leaf is cut off and boiled for a few hours. The dyes used come from plants that are added to the boiling water. The patterns reflect the culture of the region.

For all women

This craft is crucial as a means for all the women in the village to earn an income. The basket-weaving project supports all women, regardless of their situation. This includes women who have HIV/AIDS or a chronic disease, and also young mothers and married and single women. By weaving baskets and trays the women can provide their families a sustainable income.

Facts about the tribe range

Knowledge and skills are handed down from generation to generation.
Every village has its own speciality and every person their own artistic expression.
All dyeing is done naturally using plants.

African rattan is sheer, timeless and durable. Hand-woven furniture made from this fantastic natural material brings a homely feeling to any room.

“The final chair is a mix of traditional techniques and modern design.”

The process of making a chair starts with gathering the local materials. Sustainably harvested trees are used for the frame of the chair. Skilled artisans then shape and assemble the wooden frame to ensure that it is stable. Thereafter comes the meticulous weaving of the seat and backrest.

Facts about the tribe range

Knowledge and skills are handed down from generation to generation.
Every village has its own speciality and every person their own artistic expression.
All dyeing is done naturally using plants.

African rattan is sheer, timeless and durable. Hand-woven furniture made from this fantastic natural material brings a homely feeling to any room.

“The final chair is a mix of traditional techniques and modern design.”

The process of making a chair starts with gathering the local materials. Sustainably harvested trees are used for the frame of the chair. Skilled artisans then shape and assemble the wooden frame to ensure that it is stable. Thereafter comes the meticulous weaving of the seat and backrest.