On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at Threads of Life, an absolutely fantastic textile store in Ubud. They had so many wonderful things in their store -- I bought a couple of things, would have bought more if I had had room in my suitcase! The people working in the store were extremely knowledgeable about Indonesian textile arts -- really a good way to spend part of an afternoon.
Threads of Life is a fair trade business that uses culture and conservation to alleviate poverty in rural indonesia. The heirloom-quality textiles and baskets they commission are made with local materials and natural dies. With the proceeds from the gallery, they help weavers to form independent cooperatives and to manage their resources sustainably.
Threads of Life encourages weaving communities to revive techniques of weaving and natural dyeing that are in danger of disappearing. They provide economic and technical support while cooperatives research and rediscover local practices, a process that can take years to complete. The result is a sustainable, natural, tradition method of textile production, with complete cultural integrity. The process and the results move the weavers to great pride of ownership, and inspire the extraordinary quality of their work.
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