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Textiles: Sabahar Eri Silk and Mulberry Silk Textiles

Sabahar [Ethiopia]

Sabahar Silk fabrics

[Image credit: Sabahar Naturally Dyed Silks]

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, you will find the Sabahar Silk Garden, a place celebrating and promoting the artistry and heritage of Ethiopia’s long-standing weaving traditions. Weaving in Ethiopia dates back to ancient times and all the products produced are woven on traditional looms using age-old techniques, that have been passed down through the generations; however, some of the techniques are in danger of dying out in favour of modern, often imported products. Named after the Queen of Sheba ‘Saba’ and ‘Har’ the Amharic word for silk; Sabahar works with artisans from around the country, designing and producing stylish collections of luxurious handwoven silk and cotton home and fashion accessories. 

Sabahar is a small fair-trade company that was established in 2001 by Kathy Marshall, a Canadian who following a career in the development sector moved to Ethiopia in 1994 with the aim of creating a business that was sustainable, creating employment opportunities and income generation within the local communities. Culturally, the spinning is done by women whilst the men do the weaving an aspect which is reflected in the company. In addition to a staff of about 40, Sabahar outsources work to more than 25 spinners and 25 weavers, who work from their homes or through cooperatives. The products are designed by various people including; the General Manager, fashion designers who help out at Sabahar from time to time, and the weavers themselves as different areas of the country produce weavers with their own distinctive weaving skill resulting in unique patterns and textures.

Sabahar  - Hand Woven Cushions
Sabahar - furnishings range

[Image credits: top, Hand Woven Cushions; bottom, Home Furnishings – Sabahar]

With the exception of a percentage of the silk cocoons used, every aspect of the production process is local from the silk cocoon’s raised by then bought from farmers in the South West of Ethiopia to spinning, weaving and dyeing. Sabahar uses Eri silk sourced from Ethiopia and India and Mulberry silk which comes from Uganda. The dyes used for the silks are 100% natural extracted from plants, leaves, bark, flowers, insects and even coffee. Eri silk is ‘wild silk’ relatively new to Ethiopia and is hand-spun producing a linen-like texture, Mulberry silk, on the other hand, is reeled into a fine thread resulting in the more finely woven, shiny texture commonly associated with silk. In addition to silk, Sabahar also creates products utilising Ethiopian cotton which is hand spun and dyed using low impact dyes for easier cleaning. Available locally as well as internationally, Sabahar’s collections include; scarves, wrap, poncho’s and home accessories; cushions, throws, blankets and curtains.

…beautifully hued silks to brighten up any interior

Additional details:
For further information about Sabahar, order enquires and to find stockists visit: www.sabahar.com

In the UK you can purchase Sabahar products from Danaqa: www.danaqa.com

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