Angelica Tote

This show-stopping tote is made from hand sheared, carded and woven wool and the finest cow leather, in a structured tote built to carry everything you need and then some.  The wool for this tote is from San Juan Chamula, in  Chiapas, southern Mexico, where it is traditionally gathered, carded and woven by Tzotzil shepherdesses and worn as a wrap skirt (for women) or poncho (for men). Sheep are considered sacred, are rarely sold and never killed for meat - consumption of mutton is forbidden by their religion. The sheep are kept for their wool, which comes in natural white, brown and black, and always looked after by the women of the community. Chiapas sheep are a specific breed that has evolved over 400 years to adapt to the mountainous environment, and most are offspring of an initial pair of sheep given to a couple as a wedding gift. Families earn up to 40% of their income from sheepraising. Sheep are believed to have souls and to experience emotions such as happiness and sadness. The wool for each bag takes more than two weeks to prepare, starting with selecting the fibers of several sheep, combing them and hand spinning the thread (1 1/2 weeks), then preparing the warp and weaving on the backstrap loom (3 days), then felting the fabric, combing the hair back up and felting again (3 days).  Each bag provides 3 days of work to women, and 7 days of life skills mentoring for girls through the Catrinka Girls Project. Measures 13"w x 16"h with 4.5" gusset. We pride ourselves in building up economies and communities in need by working with artisan workshops, paying our artisans fairly and pricing our products fairly as well. Standard shipping (2-5 business days) is complimentary for all US orders.  Overnight shipping (1 business day) is $24.  Standard international shipping (7-15 business days) is $12.  Expedited international shipping (3 business days) is $24. Free returns and exchanges for orders shipped in the US (excluding sale items). Returns are simply and painfree- visit our return center. All orders are processed on the same day you order!