Woven In Exile

The phrase, "woven in exile", captures the pathos of the weavers who were forced out of their homes and off their property by the king of Bhutan in 1991.  While the governments of Bhutan and Nepal refused to take responsibility for the pain and suffering inflicted on them, the refugees wasted 18 years of their precious lives living in bamboo huts without running water or electricity.  They felt forgotten and abandoned to suffer by the rest of the world.  Only when the United Nations intervened and worked out arrangements for them to relocate has hope been rekindled for a better life. 

 

Using traditional backstrap looms, refugee weavers in the Akron, Ohio area have created beautiful hand-woven items.  Their creations, which interlace strands of thread to create fabric and design, are a metaphor for how their lives continue to be woven in exile. 

 

              

 

 We will be carrying the fabulous bags woven by Bhutanese refugee women who are now living in Akron and need our support. The colors, textures, and designs are delicious!