We're excited to share the story of our stunning doormats, carefully loomed by a small collective in Tanzania, East Africa.
It all started when our co-director, Bee, stumbled upon this talented group during her travels in Tanzania. This NGO was established in 1991 by a group of twelve remarkable women who have since registered under the Societies Act of Tanzania. In 1995, they were recognised as a vocational training centre by VEGA. The founders' mission was to impart their skills to the younger generation, training them to create exceptional handicrafts and operate a modern nursery and primary school.
The skills offered by this training centre are tailoring, textiles, and sisal weaving. Through these workshops, students have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and create livelihoods for themselves by either working for the organisation or starting their own small businesses.
Our door mats are woven by the workshop leader, Emmanual, who has honed his craft through years of experience with the group. Each mat is a unique piece of art, woven with care and attention to detail by Emmanual and his team.
Hand-loomed doormats have been around for centuries, and their popularity has only grown over time. AARVEN's collection of doormats are made by weaving together locally sourced sisal to create a sturdy and durable product that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
The artisans who create these doormats have been honing their skills for generations. They work with traditional hand looms that require a high level of skill and patience to operate. Each mat is carefully woven by hand, with each strand of sisal being placed with precision to ensure that the finished product is strong and durable.
What makes the Tanzanian hand-loomed doormat unique is not just the quality of the materials used but also the intricate patterns woven into it. The artisans use a variety of hand dyed colours in our designs to create a mat that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Purchasing a hand-loomed doormat not only supports the skilled artisans who create it but also helps to preserve a traditional art form that has been passed down through generations. The production of these mats provides sustainable employment opportunities for these artisans, which is especially important in countries like Tanzania where job opportunities can be scarce.
We're proud to offer these exquisite doormats to our customers, knowing that they not only enhance the beauty of their homes but also support a community of skilled artisans.
Shop the full collection of AARVEN doormats here.