DAMAGAUA CHANGE PURSE

Damagaua Change Purse

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: COLOMBIA

The purchase of this artisan change purse directly supports local development initiatives and a living wage for women in Choco one of Colombia's poorest and most underdeveloped regions. Stylishly decorated with painted geometrical block prints and made from the sustainable palm fiber damagua, this zippered purse will guarantee that your pennies and nickels won't just add up to-they'll make-change.

6 ½" wide x 4 ½" tall

CRAFTED BY: ARTISAN INITIATIVE FOR CHOCO

Chocofibres is a project of Aid to Artisans in Colombia that creates livelihood opportunities for artisans and their families in Colombia's most violent region, reaching out in particular to those displaced by violence and the marginalized population of Afro-Colombias who face severe discrimination. This impoverished region is largely ignored by the government, receives little funding, lacks roads and other infrastructure, and is mostly isolated the outside world.

Chocofibres is organized as a cooperative of 50 women heads of households in the towns of Quibdo and Istmina. Artisans receive training in design, product development, marketing, business development, pricing, distribution, environmental stewardship, and other issues that enable them to take full control of production. In addition to revitalizing traditional craft in the region and providing this alternative income source, Chocofibres supports a strong social mission obtaining access to education for children and adults; access to health services for those who would otherwise lack access; and providing information on sanitation and health to program participants.