Meet the Independence Sari Tote!
These vibrant one-of-a-kind repurposed sari tote bags are meticulously handcrafted by empowered artisan makers in Pondicherry, India. They're gorgeous, hand-printed with natural inks on both sides, one side proclaims "This bag provides economic independence for a woman in India" and the other side says Shakti.ism which means divine energy and power in Hindi and several other languages and is the name of the organization that makes the bags and leads programs to support under-resourced communities.
The bag has an inner pocket made from the same sari materials used for the exterior of the bag. The handle for each bag is also made from saris - creating a beautiful reusable tote bag from repurposed sari cloth.
The makers earn fair wages for making these bags, so your purchase directly impacts the lives of disadvantaged women! Each set of bags is made from the off-cuts of saris, so colors and patterns may vary depending on which piece of the sari was used.
Our saris are from all over India and beyond, which means we have a wide variety of patterns and traditions represented. Many were generously donated especially for this social initiative. Because every sari is unique, each product has its own story and is truly one-of-a-kind. Most saris are comprised of multiple colors and patterns intended to complement each other when draped, which is why no two items made from the same sari are the same. Colors and patterns may vary from the photographs, depending on which part of the sari was used. Some finished items have minor imperfections, which makes them even more charming and distinctive.
Meet the artisans. The Pondicherry community in Southern India is an indigenous group of people that has faced discrimination since ancient times, primarily because of their nomadic lifestyle and consumption of animals, considered taboo by Hindus and upper-caste communities within India. By purchasing this item, you are helping to empower and provide ongoing employment income for the women who make these handmade products. The demand for these products provides women with dignified employment, a living wage, hope, and opportunities for their children. Together we can provide alternative employment options for disadvantaged women.
Handmade by empowered women in Pondicherry, India.
Dimensions. 30 cm length x 38 cm height with 35 cm handle drop (12 in length x 15 in height with 14 in handle drop)
Care. Gently hand wash in cold water. Hang or lay flat to air dry.
