Cotton throw · Addis Ababa · Copper

Light handwoven throw, skilfully made by Ethiopian artisans using locally grown, hand-spun cotton and sophisticated dyes. This beautiful piece captivates with its warm copper tones punctuated by delicate bands of supplementary weft in warm ochre and white. These traditional Ethiopian motifs and subtle textural variations inherent in hand-spun fibre add depth and imbue the throw with a tribal character that connects contemporary homes to ancient weaving traditions.

The Craft. This throw showcases the collaborative artistry of traditional Ethiopian weaving, where the creation of each textile requires the skills of multiple artisans working in concert. Locally grown cotton is hand-spun using traditional drop spindles- a meditative process that transforms the raw fibre into soft thread. A labour intensive process, the dyeing is done in small batches using environmentally friendly dyes. Weaving, a practice handed down from father to son, has moved from traditional horizontal two-harness treadle looms to larger looms with flying shuttles, which enable the artisans to produce varied textures and weights. The clean, linear aesthetic of supplementary weft decoration reflects design sensibilities found throughout the Horn of Africa, where restraint and precision characterise textile ornamentation.

The Heritage. Ethiopia's weaving tradition stretches back centuries, with cotton cultivation and textile production forming essential parts of daily life, ceremony and cultural identity. Across the bustling towns of 19th century Ethiopia, guilds of master weavers, embroiderers and tailors worked under the patronage of religious and political elites to create garments that spoke of rank and power, whereas rural weavers produced cloth for daily use and ritual needs. Spindling was deemed virtuous, and women from across the social spectrum learned to spin. Different ethnic groups across the country developed their own distinctive weaving styles - the Dorze people of the south are renowned for their intricate cotton weaving, whilst the Tigray region in the north has long been celebrated for its fine white cotton shawls with colourful borders. These patterns, built through meticulous thread manipulation, connect contemporary makers to generations of Ethiopian weavers who have transformed simple fibres into objects of beauty and utility.

The Maker. Spinners, dyers and weavers work hand-in-hand at Sabahar, a fair trade workshop established in Addis Ababa over 20 years ago. Sabahar is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Ethiopian textile making techniques, whilst providing sustainable livelihoods to hundreds of artisans in Addis Ababa, Arba Minch, and Bahar Dahr. Through innovation in techniques, fibres, and technology, Sabahar creates eco-friendly, fair trade textiles that honour traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship whilst meeting contemporary design needs.