Our Story
We believe in the transformative power of economically empowered women and men, in remote communities.
Pāli was born in a remote village in Myanmar. In awe of the Burmese people and their traditional weaving methods that have been passed down through generations, our collaboration began.
Maggie and Cass are a mother-daughter team based in Melbourne, Australia. We have since been working closely with our local guide and interpreter, who has enabled us to interact and trade directly and ethically with the villagers to bring their craft to the world.
Traditional and Market style baskets are used by locals, including the monks, in their daily lives to carry shopping, fresh produce, flowers and fresh fish. They are durable, strong and long-lasting.
We work with around 600 skilled artisans across four villages, traditionally led by the female head of the village. They work in the comfort of their own homes where they can care for their families and tend to daily chores.
Development opportunities have been limited for rural Burmese villages due to economic restrictions. Trading directly and placing on-going orders translates to secure employment for the villagers and wider community. This, in turn, provides financial security and the ability to educate families and plan for the future.
Baskets are woven from a combination of new, reused and recycled colourful pallet strapping. Recycled materials are not always available but we are continually working on new ways to make this more achievable.
Recycled strapping is made from plastic bottles and other plastics collected from gutters, streets and beaches. This not only helps clean up the local environment, but provides a small income for collectors. Factories are local in Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand.
The basket weaving process is done completely by hand.
Baskets are designed to be sustainable, to last a very long time, aiming to replace single use or short-lasting bags.
Handles of Passionfruit baskets are made from rattan (a native climbing palm with long stems) purchased from local farmers, which has been stripped of thorns, cleaned, then moulded into a round handle. The base is made from bamboo also purchased from local farmers, which is turn supports their lifestyle.
We are proud to support the talented weavers, their amazing skills and traditions.
Direct Trade / Ethical
*Pāli is the sacred language of Theravada Buddhism that had a profound influence on shaping the Burmese vocabulary.