CARRIED IN BLOOD, MADE BY HEART

STORIES OF MUM’S ARTISANS

When sitting by the loom, they performed inherited skills from their forefathers. Now they are able to weave their own dreams.

- It all happened when we were in need of some exposure. I was a bit lucky to be a part of Mum’s. Craftsmen from South Africa shared with us some real changes in their lives. Before cooperating with Mum’s, they spent most of the time at street markets waiting for buyers, having no idea what the future holds for them. Now they can work from home and get a decent income on a regular basis. These efficient craftsmen are able to create ten small-sized trophy heads or seven tailor-made hangers in only one day. Angus, the person who is in charge of the telephone BEAD products* is obviously passionate about his job since he dreamed for ‘more work’. Mum’s has introduced a modern SoHo working style to those craftsmen and workers. Now they also have more opportunities to get out of the ‘poverty trap’ in that society which they described as unequal.

The interviewed craftsmen all expressed their love for Mum’s. They feel that their skills and hard work are greatly appreciated. They get fair salaries. The phrase ‘full transparency’ was used by the craftsmen to describe their business relationship with Mum’s. They are very proud to say that they get compliments, a lovely bonus, for their products.

When asked what they want to say to Mum’s, they put it in a very Nordic way, simple and practical.

- Long live Mum’s!

*For more stories about telephone BEAD products, please check the article “Out of the trash bin”.

By Chi Zhang

Mum’s products are 100% handmade by skillful craftsmen in Asia, Africa and South America. There are young talents who are only in their 20s and there are also experienced craftsmen who have been in the business for almost 30 years. To them, handicraft skill is embedded in their blood.

Babulal, Dinesh, Ravi,

Surender, Akbar ali, Rabban ali...these Indian craftsmen have been working with Mum’s for almost 3 years now. They make carpets, floor cushions, bags and wall hangings. Through their clever hands, a small carpet (90cm x 200cm) can be made in three to four days while a large one (170cm x 240cm) takes about a week.

Collecting recycled material in Africa. (Up) “Now they are able to weave their own dreams”. (Left)