From the Village, For the Village
Ma Té Sai means “where is it from?” in Lao language. We select and co-create beautiful gifts, textiles and homewares handmade by people from villages across Laos. Some of our artisans are from remote and rural Laos, making traditional handicraft; some are farmers growing local produce; and some are disadvantaged, working in city centres, where they are developing new skills and a better life.
All are proud and happy to share their skills and traditions with you. we want you to share this connection with our artisans as much as we want to ensure them a fair and sustainable income.
Spotlight on Our Makers
Over the next few weeks we'll be highlighting our makers. You can learn about our artisans, their craft traditions and the process of co-creating new designs.
See the blogs to discover more.
Picured right is Phaeng, our Luang Prabang expert bamboo weaver. And below the finished product.
Bamboo Napkin Holder
Our latest project
On the 15th August we kicked off our training program in Luang Namtha. The same day the rain was continuous, as it can be in the wet season, and we intrepidly waited for it to ease so the truck could deliver sewing machines and overlockers to the training centre. These machines had travelled 2 days from Vientiane and we needed them in working order. Fortunately they arrived as we were briefing our 20 trainees. With great appreciation they had come in from 6 different villages in a 12km radius of the town. Follow us as we see these talented artisans learn new skills with our seamstress trainer Khambang. Details are in the blog, Unleashing Creativity in Luang Namtha.
Our borders are still closed , and whilst we can move around freely in a Covid-free Laos, there are no tourists and that means no income for our artisans. So if you'd like to support our trainee artisans you can find items like our Lanten purses below @thegreencollective.sg or oder online. In this training program we have 8 Lanten women training, from 3 different villages. One group of 5 are women we worked with two years earlier to develop this colour block range of purses, bags, coasters, shirts and more.
Lanten Colorblock Zip Purse
Planning to visit Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang has been relatively unscathed by Covid19. 3 cases were reported, now recovered, 0 deaths and after a brief lockdown, since early May we have been living life as normal but without any tourists. Many businesses are suffering, and many staff now unemployed. Although the Lao borders are not open when they do we hope you will consider Luang Prabang as a safe destination.
For authentic touring and Mekong splendour go with our sister company www.bananaboatlaos.com.
The best maps available for the area are on www.hobomaps.com.
Want to donate items? We always take reading glasses to our of weavers, embroiderers, to help with their eyesight. Grades from 1.5 -2.5 are welcome. We also take educational items such as Big Brother Mouse books and stationary to remote schools so you can also donate these items, we can purchase on your behalf and give you a receipt.
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