As consumers, we have the power to change this narrative. By supporting local Indian craftsmen, we not only preserve their unique skills and traditions but also support their families and communities. By buying locally crafted products, we help keep the local economy thriving and promote sustainable practices that are essential for the environment.
The importance of supporting local Indian craftsmen cannot be overstated. These craftsmen are the backbone of our rich cultural heritage, and their work is a reflection of our shared history and identity. By investing in their skills and creations, we help to keep these traditions alive for future generations to enjoy.
At Mojave Park, we believe in the power of ethical and sustainable practices. We support local Indian craftsmen by partnering with them to create unique, high-quality products that reflect their skills and heritage. By doing so, we help to preserve their craft and support their livelihoods.
In conclusion, supporting local Indian craftsmen is not just a moral obligation, but it is also an investment in our collective future. As consumers, we can make a difference by choosing to buy locally crafted products that are made with care and passion.
Let us all make a conscious effort to support our local artisans and keep our cultural heritage alive for generations to come.
]]>There’s been a lot of talk about sustainability in recent times with companies frequently announcing efforts to follow stronger ethical sourcing practices. This is largely thanks to customers who are becoming increasingly environmentally aware and are raising their voice for brands to engage in ethical sourcing. But why this demand for ethically sourced products? And can it drive real change?
To understand this, it’s important to examine what ethical sourcing entails. In a nutshell, it’s the process of procuring products in a responsible and sustainable way. A way that guarantees worker safety and welfare is taken care of and the cost to the environment is minimal.
Swept under the Rug
Handmade Indian rugs are a sought-after product, gracing spaces with their beauty and intricacy. However, a closer look often reveals a carpet industry driven by slave labour, particularly child labour. In 2014, FXB Center for Health and Human Rights released a report of the same in India’s handmade carpet sector. It documented more than 3,000 cases of labour exploitation and even human trafficking in carpet production sites. These same carpets were sold in many major US retail chains.
Troubles in the Metalware Industry
The metalware sector is another space that sees problems. According to a paper published in the International Journal of Management, IT and Engineering, artisans often find themselves at the short end of the stick, from a lack of proper workspace to low upfront capital and long working hours. For instance, the brass hub of Moradabad in India’s Uttar Pradesh has skilled engravers with little access
to financing solutions, often depending on payment of previous goods sold. However, the middlemen take home a chunk of the profits while the artisans live in poverty.
Ethical Sourcing in the Supply Chain
With consumers becoming more aware of ethical sourcing and studies uncovering widespread cases of labour and environmental violations, businesses need to be proactive in maintaining risk-free supply chains. The benefits are enormous too. Top among them are boosting brand credibility and increasing market share by aligning products with customers who prize fair trade practices. For the
consumer, the benefits include buying products with a clear conscience, knowing that they’re contributing to artisans’ wellbeing, and maintaining a smaller carbon footprint.
Our Ethical Journey
We’re trying to make a change.
The carpet industry is one of several that we at Mojave Park are deeply invested in, especially since hand-knotted Rajasthani rugs are among our selection of homeware. We firmly believe in fair trade practices, sustainability and ethical sourcing, which is why we make all efforts to procure products directly from the artisans themselves. / from manufacturers who strictly adhere to labour laws. This
goes for our cactus silk pillows and items in our furniture catalogue including our hand-stitched leather ottomans.
Our handmade metalware collection is also sourced ethically - all our products are, for that matter. The factory that produces our metalware is based in Delhi and features modern style ventilation and good lighting, which makes a huge difference to the safety, comfort, and productivity and the artisans.
Each year, we travel to the countries we source our items from in search of artisanal products to add to our selection of homeware. As we do this, we make sure to associate only with manufacturers we know for a fact follows ethical sourcing and fair trade practices. In this way, we hope to drive a bigger
shift towards encouraging consumers to purchase ethically sourced products.
Each of us has the power to influence the market. Knowing what we know about the current state of affairs, it’s time to change the status quo and move towards ethical sourcing and sustainability.
]]>A land of stark contrasts that may leave you in a state of culture shock one moment and have your soul singing the next. For us, India is a journey of discovery.
One of the reasons we keep going back every year.
Of Chai, Stories and Tradition
Our most recent trip to India was in mid-December to mid-January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic made its way into the country. We stayed a good month with much of our time spent sourcing products.
We traveled extensively, exploring the bustling city of Delhi, ancient Varanasi, and historic Jodhpur, among many others. Perhaps one of our most cherished memories – and one we keep adding to – is meeting our suppliers and the artisans behind our products.
It’s never the typical ‘dispense with the hellos and gets straight down to business’ meetings. Rather, it’s listening to their stories over copious cups of steaming chai and sitting down to delicious veg thalis with their families. Tales of the past and their crafts flow freely, giving us glimpses into the tradition and heritage that so make up the India we know.
Taking Life As It Is
India’s many contrasts take plenty of getting used to. A short stroll down a street can reveal glaring poverty while a quick turn can uncover a burgeoning middle and high-income class, complete with folks behind the wheel of luxury vehicles and living in sprawling houses.
It’s not often one sees such sharp disparities in the West. But sift through this contrast and truth starts to emerge: one of
moving through difficulties – with an ‘it is what it is’ bent of mind and a big smile following close behind.
Having been to India too many times to count in the last 20 years, we feel at home walking the crazy streets. Nothing fazes anymore and we look forward to the adventures we know we’ll have. From the majestic palaces and forts of Rajasthan to staying in centuries-old Havelis to visiting Animal Aid Unlimited, an animal rescue organization that’s doing some amazing work, it’s been a hell of a ride!
Keeping the Art of Handmade Alive
At Mojave Park, our collection of Indian homeware reflects the adventures we’ve had. Consisting largely of intricate metalware and rugs, each item is handmade. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to realize just how exacting the crafting process is. Hours of work, focus and skill all embraced in a labour of love, which is plain to see when you explore our collection.
All our products are created by talented artisans who hold craftsmanship and quality to high standards. The reason we chose handmade is that we believe in keeping traditions alive. Handmade is slowly being lost to time as master craftsmen are left with no heirs to carry the mantle forward. We hope that we can help keep the fire burning.
We hope you enjoy exploring our Indian handmade homeware and the wonderful tales they can add to your own. Life is an intricately woven fabric of stories, after all, and we’d like to be a part of yours.
]]>