Basketry

Aswan / Galalab, West Aswan

"Ghallalab Development Association was founded in Aswan in 1967, they offered a lot of educational as well as social services to the inhabiters of the village. Apart from that, a group of artisans collected themselves there, to create palm frond products. The process happens while collecting palm tree leaves and using them as raw materials for sewing baskets and plates. About 50 women constitute this artisan group, which is one of the most active Fair Trade Egypt partners in this region. Its members weave kaleidoscopic baskets and totes in a wide range of sizes and color combinations. These palm tree leaf baskets require a lot of time and patience from our artisans, who have retained this Nubian traditional weaving technique for centuries. With the impact of the collaboration between Ghallalab Community and Fair Trade Egypt, a lot of trainings and efforts, basketry has become an empowering skill for women at the Community Development Association, as it has provided them and their families with a steady monthly income. Their association with Fair Trade Egypt is also ensuring that this ancient art form doesn’t disappear. Thanks to the consistency of support that we provide them, nubian products will continue to brighten our lives out."