Empowering artisans to preserve
cultural heritage through ethical craftsmanship
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ARTIJAAN collaborates with skilled artisans in Afghanistan to create sustainable livelihood opportunities by making traditional crafts, such as embroidery, woodwork, jewelry, glassware, or rugs.
Our development initiatives include connecting traditional craft makers with conscious buyers across the world. We support the preservation of ancient techniques which make up Afghanistan’s remarkable cultural heritage.
Most of the artisans we work with are skilled artisans but lack access to the international market and the business skills needed to succeed.
Our objective is threefold:
1.) We create products in collaboration with artisans, enabling them to earn fair wages in good working conditions.
2.) We aim to be the bridge that connects these makers to the international market.
3.) We empower artisans to leverage their unique skills. In doing so, they experience a renewed sense of pride and purpose through their work.
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The Taliban's return has seen a sharp increase in targeted efforts to remove women from public life. As a result, many women are now forced to work from home.
Despite these challenges, women are committed to continuing their work preserving Afghanistan's cultural heritage. In reclaiming their autonomy, women gain a sense of worth and purpose during these difficult times.Our women’s embroidery network is a collective of women across Afghanistan who are bound together through their skills with a needle.
Through this partnership we aim to create livelihood opportunities for women, who create delicately stitched designs from within their homes. The finished designs are then sent to Kabul where they are incorporated into beautiful textiles for you to enjoy. In this way, they are able to earn fair wages and provide for their families.
Our network currently spans across several provinces including Faryab, Bamyan, Kabul, Herat, Nuristan, and Balkh. We look forward to expanding this community of creators and seeing more women empowered through meaningful work. -
Artijaan collaborates with local artisans who lack access to international markets. By promoting their crafts, our artisan partners preserve their cultural heritage and gain new economic opportunities.
In May 2022, Artijaan supports:7 types of craft production
40+ artisan partners (80% being women, across Afghanistan)
300+ indirect beneficiaries
Women’s network
100 women in 4 provinces: Bamyan, Faryab, Kabul, Balkh
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Artijaan collaborates with more than 40 Afghan artisans.
Discover more about them here.
SUN COLLECTION
Jewelry
The sun is a universal symbol of light and life. This ancient lifeforce unites cultures under the banner of luminosity and warmth. This collection was designed with new beginnings in mind. Just as the sun rises each day, we hope these pieces will fill you with a sense of optimism and light when you put them on.
Earrings - Sunna - Silver gold plated - 85$
Earrings - Khepri - silver - 85$
Earrings - Sol Hoops - Silver Gold plated - 85$
Earrings - Sol Hoops - Silver - 85$
Earrings - Solana - 85$
Earrings - Surya - 85$
Earrings - Aftab - 90$
Earrings - Sol - Silver - 80$
Earrings - Sol - Silver gold plated - 80$
Earrings - Soleil - Silver gold plated - 75$
Earrings - Soleil - Silver - 75$
Necklace - Compass + chain - 75$
Necklace - Sun face + Chain - 90$
TURKMEN COLLECTION
Jewelry
While exploring the eclectic offerings of Kabul’s antique shops, we came across vintage Turkmen jewelry, an ornate style of metalwork worn by Afghanistan’s nomadic communities. Turkmen jewelry is crafted for both aesthetic and spiritual purposes. Silver and semi-precious stones such as carnelian and turquoise are often incorporated into the jewelry and are believed to ward off evil spirits and illness.
Earrings - Ersari - Silver gold plated - 95$
Earrings - Ersari - Silver - 90$
Earrings - Salma - Silver gold plated - 90$
Earrings - Salma - silver - 90$
Ring - Teke - 75$
Necklace - Kiana Lapis - 90$
Necklace - Kiana Tourmaline - 90$
SHORO COLLECTION
Jewelry
The Shoro Collection, meaning “beginning” in Dari, is where it all started. Last August, just after the fall of Kabul, we selected our favourite pieces from artisan's stock to help them earn revenue during these difficult times. Shoro is also a celebration of the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. This azure blue rock has been mined in Afghanistan for more than 6,000 years.
Earrings - Ayesha - 55$
Earrings - Esin - 45$
Earrings - Leila - 70$
Earrings - Noor - 80$
Earrings - Rada - 60$
Earrings - Anar - 50$
Chain & Pendant Anar - 70$
Earrings - Soleil - 90$
Ring - Leila - 50$
Ring - Mina - 60$
Ring - Nargis - 50$
Chain - Ramzia - 50$
Earrings - Round Lapis - 60$
Earrings - Diamond Lapis - 60$
Earrings - Drop Lapis - 60$
HERATI GLASSWARE
Handblown in the western city of Herat, these glass pieces bring a touch of sophistication to your tablescape. Featuring subtle variations in color and shape, each object is a delightfully unique creation. With just one family still practicing the art of glass blowing, the survival of this unique art form is threatened. Our glassblowing partner Nasrullah began blowing glass when he was five years old, joining his family business and a legacy of artisans who have been making glass for more than 200 years.
Herati Carafe - 45$
Herati Vase - 50$
IKAT
The story of Ikat stretches back several hundred years. Originating in Indonesia, Ikat made its way to northern Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, where weavers produced their own interpretation of this textile tradition, incorporating a “blurred” aesthetic into the design. The distinct pattern is achieved through a specialized technique called resist dyeing.
Ikat tote bag - 20$
Ikat tote bag - 20$
Ikat tote bag - 20$
Ikat Scrunchie - 5$
Ikat Scrunchie - 5$
Ikat Scrunchie - 5$
EMBROIDERY
In contrast to the bleak legacy of war, the practice of embroidery brings delicate beauty and vibrant color to the most unexpected of places. The elaborate designs and impressive precision of Afghan embroidery are a testament to the skill and keen aesthetic eye of artisans. Our growing network of women embroiderers helps women across Afghanistan earn a living working from home.
Napkins (set of 4) - 40$
WOODCARVING
Discover the skillful technique of Afghan woodworkers through these carved creations. High in the forested mountains of Nuristan province, craftsmen safeguard the ancient knowledge of woodcarving. Jali is an intricate form of Indo-Islamic architecture traditionally used as window coverings, room dividers, and to adorn balconies.
Encens holder - 25$
Jali Tray - 90$
Cheese board - cutting board - 90$
HAND MADE SOAP
Handmade soap made by women in Istalif.
Using organic ingredients from Europe and Afghanistan. Packaged in a beautiful travel pouch, handmade in Bamiyan through our women’s embroidery network.
A pomegranate or Anar in Dari has been stitched- a famous symbol of Afghanistan
The perfect gift.
Available in: Rosewater, Lavender, Saffron, Rose, Chamomile, Calendula, Aloe Vera & Charcoal
Handmade soap & handmade pouch - 10$
RUG MAKING
Featuring bold patterns and vibrant colors, Kilim weaving is a masterclass in creating objects that are both beautiful and durable.
Artijaan collaborates with ACTED to create livelihood opportunities and value ethical craftsmanship by offering a range of kilims made by women in Northern Afghanistan.
Stay tuned for the launch of the collection through this live catalogue.
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