Artisan: Karen and Akha Hill Tribes
Two hill tribes found in northern Thailand, Laos, China, and Myanmar are the Karen and the Akha. These people live in small villages deep in the mountains, where they farm, craft, and raise their families.
There are approximately 20000 Akha now living in Thailand's northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai at high altitudes. Every Akha village is distinguished by their carved wooden gates, presided over by guardian spirits, and raised houses on low stilts. These people often times have difficulties making a living off of their farming alone, so they've begun focusing on selling handicrafts, employing the traditional skills used in making their own clothing and cultural items.
The Karen hilltribe villages are mainly concentrated in the mountains of Mae Hong Son province and the western areas of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao. The Karen people like to settle in the foothills, living in bamboo houses raised on stilts, beneath which they keep their live domestic animals: pigs, chickens, and buffaloes. Income from their handicrafts help these people to move away from the opium trade that once flourished in their region.
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Hand Stitched Purse
$18.95
Purse made with various colors hand stitched on the front, black on the back. Zipper pocket inside. 6.5" x 3.75"
Product # T3-C-403-A (In Stock)
Every FTC product is created by hand and, therefore, no two pieces are exactly the same and may contain natural flaws which only add to the unique beauty of each piece.