Kire Sunburst Placemat

The Kire woven placemats create a beautiful table setting or statement charger. Our placemats are handcrafted in Rwanda using a time-honored weaving technique passed down from generations of artisans. 12" Diameter Sold individually Handwoven out of natural and hand-dyed yellow banana leaf and sisal, wrapped around bunches of sweetgrass Includes a loop on the back for easy hanging Perfect for indoor or outdoor dining Due to the handmade nature, some size and color variation may occur. Behind The Design: Rwanda has a long history of craft. Traditionally passed down through generations of women, weaving has long been a form of artistic expression with very practical application. Artisans in Rwanda pick banana leaves (or source from local farmers), placing them in the sun to dry until they reach the desired shade of brown, tan or white before weaving. Banana leaf can be woven in a variety of ways and – once sun bleached - hand dyed using natural dyes. Found inside the Agave plant, sisal fibers are fine but incredibly strong, with a naturally light color great for dying. Rwandan artisans often use sisal in a traditional coil weaving technique where hand dyed threads are wrapped around bunches of sweetgrass to create a tightly coil in a range of colors and patterns. Impact The artisan sector is the second largest employer in the developing world. Yet the majority of artisans are women who lack access to export markets, business skills, and the financial tools needed to run successful, global enterprises. We are dedicated to changing that by investing 100% of our profits into education programs for the women who handcraft our products and youth in their communities. Since 2007, we've provided over 1,100 artisans and 250 young people in Rwanda & Ghana with employment opportunities, entrepreneurship training, and consistent access to the global export market. That's Impact. Care Instructions Our woven pieces are sturdy and made to last. We recommend keeping bright colors away from direct sunlight and trimming any stray fibers that may appear over time. Spot Clean