Cotton shoulder bag, 'Crimson Wilderness'

Product Review

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. Radiant in red, this shoulder bag's florid motifs originate from the textile art of the Lahu hill tribe. Lahu women have improved their weaving skills on back straps and on foot looms - their work is distinguished by having the pattern solely appear on one side of the cloth. Finished with braided tassels, the bag features a zipper closure. 100% cotton. Artisan Info: Traditionally, the tribal people in northern Thailand have supported their families through slash and burn agriculture, being forced to move their villages every few years searching for new and fertile fields. However, as the available space is limited, this semi-nomadic style is no longer feasible. On the other hand, based on ecological criteria, the Thai government is banning the timber cut down, trim, and hauling on the hillside lands. Thus, the hill tribes have explored new options for solving their economical needs while preserving their communal life, and the answer was found in their handicrafts. Luckily, this new activity has helped them to restore and revive traditions and expressions, which, otherwise, may have been lost forever. Aiming to market such products, and improve the quality of life of the tribal people, in 1973 the Baptist Christian Service Foundation sponsored the creation of the "Thai Tribal Crafts," which is a grass-roots, non-profit and self-sustained agency, operating under