SUMMER 2015 www.shopamericannomad.com
Every Item Has a Story. Every Artist Has a Voice. We understand when it comes to shopping your choices are endless. But, not all stores embrace the same spirit, quality and authenticity as AMERICAN NOMAD. Each item we curate is handmade by artisans working at cooperatives around the globe as they strive to rise above poverty, fight discrimination, gain an education and preserve their traditions. The co-ops that employ each artisan selflessly work to create positive impacts and have started health initiatives, economic-development programs, micro-loan programs, built schools, taught business classes, helped to end human trafficking and exemplified what we refer to as “authentic style.� We envision a time when socially conscious shopping will become the only way we purchase goods and advocate for the preservation of cultural art forms and the dignity and value of each artisan.
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ARTIST MAKING JEWELRY AT BASHA
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BANGLADESH Bangladesh straddles the Bay of Bengal in south Asia and is the most densely populated non-island nation in the world. It has a rich, diverse culture that is deeply rooted in architecture, dance, literature, music and painting, but unfortunately remains a poor and inefficiently-governed nation. This inefficiency has led to a vast network of human-trafficking that exploits women and children and forces them into forced labor and sexual exploitation.
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ARTIST STORY My name is Shompa.* BASHA Enterprises has given me an opportunity to work in an honorable way. It gives me pleasure when I learn how to make a new item. I want to earn more money so that I can save money from my salary and buy land in my village. I want to have my own house. I pray to God that He will fulfill my desire. When I was a child I did not have an opportunity to go to school. I do not want to see my daughter suffer the same way I have suffered. I hope she will be a teacher so that she can teach others. * Shompa’s real name and identity have been concealed for her protection from further exploitation,
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Kantha meaning “patched cloth,” is a centuries old art form in Bangladesh. At BASHA Enterprises, their vision is to empower women victimized by trafficking to rediscover their dignity and inherent value through meaningful work and by welcoming them as part of the BASHA family.
HANDMADE IN BANGLADESH at the cooperative BASHA
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OAHU DAY KANTHA $148 100% vintage cotton 79” x 79”
CITRON KANTHA THROW $98 100% vintage cotton 79” x 37”
BALI FOREST $148 100% vintage cotton 79” x 79”
FREESIA KANTHA THROW $98 100% vintage cotton 79” x 37”
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DIAMOND FIELDS $148 100% vintage cotton 79” x 79”
PEACH KANTHA THROW $98 100% vintage cotton 79” x 37”
KANTHA CUSHION COVERS $58 - $69 16” x 16” | 18” x 18” 100% vintage cotton more colors and patterns available online
KANTHA TABLETOP PLACEMATS $20/set of 4 12” x 18” 100% repurposed cotton
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CHUNKY KNIT CUSHION COVER $32 - $39 18” x 18” | 22” x 22” | 100% repurposed cotton more colors and patterns available online
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CHUNKY KNIT THROW $58 60” x 50” | 100% repurposed cotton more colors and patterns available online
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ETHIOPIA Ethiopia is the tenth largest country in Africa and is located on the Horn of Africa. The culture is rich with weaving traditions and its lush land is prized for coffee growing. While agriculture provides many jobs, employment within urban areas is extremely difficult to find.
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Weaving in Ethiopia has been a way of life for centuries. At the co-op WOVEN PROMISES, their mission is to establish economic partnerships that support the talented, but struggling people in Ethiopia.
HANDMADE IN ETHIOPIA at the cooperative WOVEN PROMISES
GONDAR PILLOW COVER $42 - $52 20” x 20” | 16” x 26” 100% handwoven cotton
AXUM PILLOW COVER $42 - $52 20” x 20” | 16” x 26” 100% handwoven cotton
AXUM TOWELS $28 - $58 39” x 71” | 20” x 30” 100% handwoven cotton
GONDAR TOWELS $28 - $58 39” x 71” | 20” x 30” 100% handwoven cotton
ZARIMA TOWELS $28 - $58 39” x 71” | 20” x 30” 100% handwoven cotton
GONDAR PILLOW COVER $42 - $52 20” x 20” | 16” x 26” 100% handwoven cotton
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TINY KIKO FRAME $34 set of 4
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KASHMIR Kashmir is a region between northwest India and northeast Pakistan that is praised for its breathtaking beauty and has been violently disputed by the two countries since 1947. This conflict continues to escalate and has left much of the population with few options for employment forcing many families to flee their homeland.
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At the co-op NKUKU, artists handpaint enamelware with vibrant colors and whimsical pictures. Determined to stay in their country despite the regional conflict, working at NKUKU enables them to care for their children and earn a sustainable income.
HANDMADE IN KASHMIR at the cooperative NKUKU
LOLITA TIFFIN $72 6” x 9” enamelware | food-safe steel
LOLITA CUP $12 3” x 4.75” enamelware | food-safe steel
LOLITA BOWL $12 4.75” diameter enamelware | food-safe steel
EVA TIFFIN $72 6” x 9” enamelware | food-safe steel
EVA CUP $12 3” x 4.75” enamelware | food-safe steel
EVA BOWL $12 4.75” diameter enamelware | food-safe steel
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SENEGAL The lands of Senegal have been inhabited since ancient times. For travelers sailing down the west coast of Africa, the Senegal river would offer their first refreshing welcome after the parched territory of the western Sahara. In the early 1980’s an ongoing separatist rebellion began to plague the country. The longterm violence has created a challenging environment for the Sengali people to establish economic stability.
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ARTIST STORY Master weaver Tahiru owns a workshop in Bolga that is connected to his home. Collaborating with SWAHILI MODERN, as well as with other high-end designers, Tahiru has taught both men and women to make bolga baskets of a truly exceptional quality. His generous spirit and talent has allowed many impoverished farmers in the area to attain a sustainable way of living and take care of their families.
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Basket weaving has deep roots within many African cultures. In Senegal, SWAHILI MODERN partners with the Peace Corps to establish a co-op with the Wolof weavers in remote areas to provide a way for these rural women to earn a fair income and build healthy communities.
HANDMADE IN SENEGAL at the cooperative SWAHILI MODERN
WARMING BASKET $46 14” X 19” millet stalks, salvaged plastic
WARMING BASKET $46 14” X 19” millet stalks, salvaged plastic
SWEET ROSE BASKET $92 14” X 19” typha stalks, salvaged plastic
BOLGA BASKET $58 15” x 15” elephant grass, leather
VANILLA DIPPED BASKET $92 14” X 19” typha stalks, salvaged plastic
PRAYER MAT RAINBOW BASKET $28 8.5” x 8.5” diameter typha stalks, salvaged plastic
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DAKAR SHOPPER BASKET $92 18” x 10” x 11” millet grass, salvaged plastic, leather
TINY BOLGA BASKET $9 4” x 4.5” elephant grass
WARMING BASKET $46
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KENYA Situated along the Indian Ocean coastline of Africa, Kenya has a rich landscape ranging from wildlife rich grasslands to vibrant urban areas. In 2001 a terrible drought persisted for several years that brought devastation to the pasture lands of the Maasai tribe. Their livelihood disappeared as their cattle died leaving the Maasai desperately searching for ways to feed and care for their community.
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After the deadly drought, the Maasai began to rely on their wood carving skills to earn income. Using naturally fallen Acacia Tortillas, craftsman working at THE LEAKEY COLLECTION shape, sand and oil a luxurious line of pieces unique to Kenya.
HANDMADE IN KENYA at the cooperative THE LEAKEY COLLECTION
RIFT VALLEY PLATTER $115 18” x 8.5” hand carved acacia wood SERVING UTENSILS $45 12” long hand carved acacia wood
CHOPSTICKS & CHOPSTICK REST $8 each 9” long | 1” x 2” hand carved acacia wood
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TRADITIONAL BREAD BOARD $75 15” x 10” hand carved acacia wood
FALLEN WOOD NAPKIN RINGS $24 set of 4 hand carved acacia wood, brass beads
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HANDMADE IN PERU, INDIA, KENYA & MOZAMBIQUE at the cooperatives JENNY KRAUSS, JOYN, BADALA, NKUKU, SWAHILI MODERN
MORE FROM OUR HOME COLLECTION
CITRON ROSE WINDOW PILLOW $89 16” x 16” hand embroidered wool
PINK ROSE WINDOW PILLOW $89 16” x 16” hand embroidered wool
SIENNA PILLOW $89 16” x 16” hand embroidered wool
BLUE IKAT PILLOW COVER $48 16” x 16” handwoven cotton
GREY HORIZONS PILLOW $45 20”x20” 100% raw silk
PACIFIC HORIZONS PILLOW $45 20” x 20” 100% raw silk
TULSI KNOBS $9 1.77” diameter ceramic, metal
DAHA KNOBS $9 1.35” diameter ceramic, metal
KITU HOOK $24 16” x 15” x 3.94” ceramic, metal
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SANDALWOOD BIRCH BOX $36 - $56 assorted sizes sandalwood
HANDMADE IN UGANDA, SENEGAL, GUATEMALA, VIETNAM at the cooperatives MATR BOOMIE, BADALA, GOOD GLASS, LUCIA’S IMPORTS
MORE FROM OUR HOME COLLECTION
KUNI UTENSIL SET $22 12” long olive wood
TATU TRAY $40 11” tray | 6” utensils olive wood
SARI SONG BELLS $12 - $54 assorted sizes copper, ceramic beads
BUKUTO GLASSES $62 3oz | 4oz | set of 6 recycled glass
DIAMOND GLASS SERVING TRAY $76 14” x 10” x 3” glass, aluminum
EMBOSSED TEA LIGHT $24 2.5” x 2.17” | set of 3 recycled glass
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PEACOCK PLATTER $19 6” x 9.75” ceramic
CERAMIC MUGS $18 6” x 9.75” ceramic, lead-free glazes
SCENTS OF INDIA SOAP $7 assorted scents vegetable glycerin, natural herbs
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PEACOCK CANDLE HOLDER $14 4” base | holds a 3/4” ceramic
MEASURING SPOONS $14 4” long ceramic
ANTIQUE ZAMBIAN MELANGE BASKET $96
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BOLIVIA Bolivia is predominately a rural country with a vibrant culture deeply rooted in the arts, music and food. A majority of the population lives in highland communities where access to healthcare and education are challenging and contribute to the slow growth of economic independence for Bolivians.
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ARTIST STORY Augustina has been with the co-op GREENOLA STYLE since their commencement. She has advanced into a small business owner, employing her neighbors and selling in the local market. As result of their partnership, Augustina has contributed to the building costs of her family home, the purchasing of a carrier truck to employ her son, and funded the construction of an attached sewing room in which the K’anchy cooperative now conducts production.
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Acai, or bombona seeds are an indigenous material in South American rainforests. Artists at GREENOLA STYLE collect these seeds and dry them naturally in the sun to create stunning pieces of jewelry that respect their environment and represent their vibrant culture.
HANDMADE IN BOLIVIA & KENYA at the cooperative GREENOLA STYLE
BERNADETTE $49 27” drop acai & bombona seeds
GRACIELLA $36 24” adjustable drop acai & bombona seeds
NYERI $52 16” drop + 2” extension brass
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UYUNI $49 18” drop + 1” extension acai seeds, glass beads
LA PAZ $49 18” adjustable drop acai & macramé
EMBU $62 28” drop + 2” extension brass, Maasai beads RIVERA $37 25” drop + 2” extension aguayo cloth, silver
PACO STUDS $18 3/8” glass
DECO $18 1.5” aguayo cloth, silver
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BERNADETTE NECKLACE $49
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UGANDA Uganda is surrounded by the great lakes of central Africa and one of the last parts of the continent to be reached by outsiders. Nearly two million people in Northern Uganda have been displaced from their homes and villages as a result of an ongoing war traveling through East Africa leaving few chances for employment, livelihood and provisions.
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Beadmaking from paper has grown to become one of Uganda’s most in demand products. Strips of paper are cut, rolled , sealed and strung to create expressive designs. The recycled paper is easily accessible and helps reduce waste throughout the country.
HANDMADE IN UGANDA at the cooperative 31BITS
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LUPINE JUMBLE $58 22” recycled paper
THE ENTERTAINER $42 29” recycled paper
MIRAGE TRES $52 29” recycled paper
MORNING GLORY $15 8” recycled paper
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MEDINA CASCADE $64 28” recycled paper
FASHIONISTA CUFF $46 8” long recycled paper, fabric backing
TRIBAL VERBENA $56 28” recycled paper
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COLLECTOR $14 8” recycled paper
CRACKLED TARTAN $42 8” recycled paper
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TRIBAL VERBENA NECKLACE $56
BASTILLA BIB $76
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PHILIPPINES The customs and traditions of the Philippines are strongly influenced by its colonized past by the Spanish. Festivals are celebrated with church ceremonies, street parades in honor of patron saints, fireworks and dance. Unfortunately high unemployment rates still plague the country making sustainable jobs that pay living wages challenging to find.
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The weaving of textiles is deeply rooted within the culture of the Philippines. R2R strives to empower Filipino artisans with sustainable jobs using eco-friendly textiles that help to lift them out of poverty.
HANDMADE IN THE PHILIPPINES at the cooperative RAGS2RICHES
BUSLO CLASSIC $135 9.5” x 9.5” woven cotton, leather
STELLA CLUTCH $63 13” x 6” woven cotton
BUSLO MINI $109 8” x 9” | removable strap woven cotton, leather
DANELLE $129 3 configurations binakol fabric, leather ISSA $139 2 configurations binakol fabric, leather
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Building from Cambodia’s rich silk history, LA VIE DEVANT SOIE works with deaf individuals in Phnonm Penh that have few rights and are often forced to live outside the general population.
HANDMADE IN CAMBODIA at the cooperative LA VIE DEVANT SOIE
MAY $30 7” x 5” recycled silk
LEA CHAPEAUX $42 straw, cotton
IPANEMA $38 16” cotton
JULIA $24 4” x 6” recycled silk
GASTON TOTE $80 13” x 15” recycled silk, cotton, plastic
LOUISE $90 23” x 16” x 13” recycled silk, cotton
BIRDY $46 11” x 9” recycled silk
JUDY BAG $23 8” recycled paper
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LOU $31 10” X 7” recycled silk
CAMBODIA Located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula, Cambodia was historically part of the original Silk Road trade routes. During the 1970’s Cambodia’s silk industry was destroyed during the communist Khmer Rouge regime that forced citizens to cultivate rice on their farms destroying the mulberry trees where silk worms thrived.
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HANDMADE IN KENYA & ETHIOPIA at the cooperatives SOKO, RAVEN + LILY, SWAHILI MODERN
MORE FROM OUR JEWELRY COLLECTION
TWO WAY CHOKER $70 5.12” brass, cowhorn bone
ALMAZ $64 8.5” metal, metal beads
NAMA CASCADE $92 9” - 18” brass
BONDE NECKLACE $65 9” brass, cowhorn bone
BRASS FRINGE $85 8” X 2.5” fringe brass
DOUBLE BAR $75 21” long brass
NEHA CUFF $24 2.25” x 1.5” wood, leather
IOTA CUFF $28 3” x 1.5” cowhorn, brass
sold out GEOMETRIC STUDS $48 set of 3 | 1 of each shape brass DOUBLE FRINGE $42 4” brass
NEHA BANGLES $22 2.5” diameter | set of 2 wood
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BONE CUFF $32 2.5” | stretches cowhorn, brass
HANDMADE IN ETHIOPIA & INDIA & U.S.A. at the cooperatives SSEKO DESIGNS, JOYN, GAIA
MORE FROM OUR PURSE COLLECTION
SADDLE TOTE $240 13” x 18” x 5” 100% leather
TASSEL TOTE $245 13” x 18” x 5” 100% leather
HERRINGBONE CLUTCH $32 9.5” x 9.2” handwoven cotton, vegan leather
TAILWIND TOTE $260 13” x 18” x 5” 100% leather, ceramic beads
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HERRINGBONE MESSENGER $98 23” X 14”; 19” handles handwoven cotton, vegan leather
HERRINGBONE BACKPACK $76 cotton canvas, genuine leather CLASP CLUTCH $28 10.5” x 6” handwoven cotton
TRIBAL CLUTCH $26 12” X 6” handwoven cotton
ALLURE CLUTCH & CROSSBODY $178 11” x 11” vintage fabric, suede
TRIANGLE FLOPPY CLUTCH $38 12” x 8” handwoven cotton, leather
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LUCITE DIAMONDS CLUTCH $26 12” x 6” handwoven cotton
BORDERS FOLDOVER FLOPPY CLUTH $38
photo courtesy of Jane Ray, Creative Director, JOYN
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TRIANGLE FOLDOVER FLOPPY CLUTCH $38
photo courtesy of Jane Ray, Creative Director, JOYN
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