Kalahari

NINAKURU agave fiber is derived from a unique variety of agave native to the Andean regions of South America.   Rural indigenous communities have been harvesting agave to extract its durable fibers for centuries to make rope, rugs, baskets and many other useful household items.

The agave fiber is hand dyed using a wide variety of colorful organic materials found in the canopies of surrounding cloud forests, including seasonal berries, bark, leaves, and many other botanically derived natural dying agents.  The gentle pigments derived are simplistically harmonious with nature, quietly reminding us of their raw and organic origin.

NINAKURU agave bags are created in a heartfelt collaboration with an endearing group of indigenous weavers who we had the pleasure of meeting on one of our buying expeditions in South America.   These talented women rely on their ability to sell their handicrafts in order to make money, as they do not have access to paying jobs in the rural communities in which they live.  One of our goals at NINAKURU is to offer support to women living in remote communities by helping them further develop their skills and by finding viable markets for their crafts, which provides them with a dignified income and a much-needed sense of empowerment.

We now collaborate with over 20 women in our association of agave weavers, enthusiastically working together and teaching one another to create an opportunity for a sustainable livelihood.

As our collaboration opportunities grow, we hope to increase our network to include many more women, supporting them to cultivate their personal growth and financial independence while empowering them to continue their centuries-old craft which can then be passed down to future generations.