The survival of the 700 remaining mountain gorillas depends upon the well-being of the people living in the nearby countries of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. The Virunga Artisans Association is comprised of villagers from the Virunga/Bwindi highlands of Central Africa. Far from the region’s larger cities, these artisans create remarkable works of art as they balance a traditional social structure and way of living with the forces of modernity. These communities are on the immediate perimeters of the national parks and have the greatest impact on mountain gorilla conservation.
Proceeds from the sale of these baskets give these villagers economic empowerment and the possibility of a brighter future for their families and themselves. Each basket is handcrafted of sisal and consists of thousands of stitches. These exquisite baskets symbolize peace and reconciliation in these countries striving to rebuild themselves following decades of genocide.
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