Queen Menon Handwoven Ethiopian Silk Shawl
Queen Menon Handwoven Ethiopian Silk Shawl
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Sabahar believes that economic independence in a stable job enables women to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
These luxurious pure silk shawls are made from naturally dyed, hand spun Ethiopian silk. The design is made of silk dyed in either coffee (to create the beige) or a mix of pomegranate and iron (to create the silver). The designs, called tibeb, are found on many traditional Ethiopian shawls. Weavers pick up threads individually to create the geometric patterns. The shawls are made of Eri silk, a thicker, more nubbly variety than mulberry silk. The silk is grown in southern Ethiopia. This shawl is named after Queen Menon, the Empress of the Ethiopian Empire between 1930 and 1962.
100% cotton
95 x 180cm (38 x 70inches)
Machine wash in cold water. Tumble dry low. Iron. Do not bleach.
Meet the Artisan
Meet the Artisan
Product Details
Product Details
What makes Sabahar bath products different? Sabahar bath textiles are the only ones made from hand-spun Ethiopian cotton. Each fiber is twisted by hand before being woven, giving the fabric a natural texture and softness that machines cannot reproduce. No two pieces are identical. The small variations in the yarn make every towel unique in look and feel. How are they made? All our products are created by hand in Addis Ababa. The cotton is dyed, spun, and woven by skilled artisans using traditional Ethiopian looms. Some are made on four-harness looms for added texture and absorbency; others feature intricate hand-picked patterns passed down through generations. A bath/beach towel usually involves about 6-7 artisans in the production process (not including growing the cotton). Spinning the weft thread will take 1 woman 1 full day, the dyeing and weaving will take about ½ day each, and the fringing, washing and finishing will take another ½ day. This means 1 towel provides 2.5 days of employment. Hand towels are smaller in size, and 1 piece will provide about 1.3 days of employment. The result is a fabric that lasts, feels softer with every use, and tells a beautiful story of craftsmanship. *All products are handmade and dyed in small batches, so each piece is unique and may have slight color variations. Who makes them? Sabahar is a fair-trade, women-owned business that has been operating for over 20 years. We provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term employment to over 100 artisans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Why it matters? Choosing Sabahar means supporting ancient crafts and the people who keep it alive. Our textiles are made from 100% Ethiopian cotton, naturally breathable and biodegradable. Each towel carries the story of the hands that made it and the tradition it helps sustain - a small choice that makes a real difference. Shipping is free on all U.S. orders over $158.00. Orders ship from our fulfillment center in Pennsylvania and are processed within 3 business days. We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unused and in their original condition. Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility.
The Impact of Your Purchase
The Impact of Your Purchase
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