Artisan portraits
Artijaan collaborates with more than 40 Afghan artisans
and 20 women's networks across Afghanistan.
Here are some of their stories:
Shazia
Jewelry designers, Kabul
With an eye for detail, Shazia and Nasrin love designing delicate hammered gold jewelry fitted with Afghanistan’s native gemstones like lapis lazuli, agate, and tourmaline. Every order supports their work and contributes to empowering local artisans to preserve traditional craftsmanship.
Their message to you:
“Our inspiration comes from ancient monuments or objects from our daily life. We hope you enjoy these thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted pieces.”
Explore some of Shazia's craftsmanship.
Roya
Embroiderer, Kabul
This hand embroidered piece is designed by Roya, our incredibly talented embroidery partner.
We collaborate with her to design unique pieces that are then made by one of the 1,000 women who are part of our networks across rural Afghanistan.
With your purchase, you help support these women makers.
Explore some of Roya's craftsmanship.
Nasrullah, Obaid & Khairullah
Glass blower, Herat
At 5 years old, Nasrullah began blowing glass, joining his family’s 200-year-old business. A once thriving industry has been shattered by decades of war and a struggling market. Nasrullah, now 65, is part of a critical effort to keep this delicate practice alive, joined by his sons Obaid and Khairullah.
Their message to you:
“Thank you for helping us keep the art of glass-blowing alive. It’s our passion and livelihood to create this piece you now own.”
Explore some of Nazrullah's craftsmanship.
Dorsa
Textile designer, Kabul
Dorsa began sewing at the age of 13 and is the creative mind behind Artijaan’s upcycled coat collection. Using materials sourced from antique shops in Kabul, every piece is like a puzzle, with a single coat taking up to a month to complete.
Her message to you:
“I like to create pieces and imagine what the customers will feel like in them. It brings me a lot of joy to design clothes that will be worn all over the world.”
Explore some of Dorsa's craftsmanship.
Abdul
Ceramicist, Istalif
Abdul Wahab is one of our two ceramicists from Istalif, a village renowned for its distinctive pottery. With over 40 years of experience, Abdul represents the fourth generation of potters in his family.
Their message to you:
“Whatever I make, I do it with love and passion. It makes me proud to know that my products are being used by people who will cherish them.”
Explore some of Abdul's craftsmanship.
Usman, Mohammad & Mayel
Woodcarvers, Kabul, Afghanistan
Our three woodcarving partners trained with Turquoise Mountain, an NGO that equips artisans with skills to revive historic buildings in their local community, before launching their own production business.
They take great pride in preserving Afghanistan's woodworking heritage
More stories waiting to be unveiled to you.
Nasrin, Hamida, Ramzia, Khadira, Salma, Husnia, Sodaba, Semin, Mahira, Shamila, Shamshad, Mahpaikar, Adela, Khair, Begom, Pari, Mahrokh, Diljan, Rohafza, Zohra, Nahida, Bakhtowar, Berarbakht, Najeeba, Khatira, Aziza, Sharbano, Nikbakht, Nazanin, Zainab, Raheema, Kisharar and many more!