Trio Craft

Natural fiber carpets have recently become synonymous with contemporary interior design. Flip through any catalog from Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, even higher end boutiques.  They're all jumping on the jute, hemp, woven wool band wagon.  Rough spun carpets add a touch of a rustic edge, balancing out even the most modern of living spaces.  Never, am I more excited than when I find common, locally made products being marketed in the West as a high-end product.  There are lots of examples of this in Ethiopia.  Handwoven rugs are just one of these great finds. 

Trio Craft PLC. is a textile company in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia using natural organic fibers to create carpets and other various textiles. They pride themselves in maintaining an authentic handmade feel  while preserving their Ethiopian cultural heritage.

Their showroom is modest, but if you unroll any of their carpets you’ll see beauty in the rustic texture and traditional designs.  Even better;  style, color and size customization is encouraged.  Every rug is loom-woven by highly trained artisans on location.   Expect custom orders to take approximately one month to complete.  Colors are limited to the fibers local farmers supply.  

Feel good about being on trend but original with a contemporary carpet, made right here in Ethiopia. 

www.triocraftethio.com

Tsige  is an English speaking representative available M-F, call first 0911822875

Artisans and Designers' Bazaar

This past weekend the Artisans and Designers' Bazaar at Tropical Gardens in Bole had the best display of made-in-Ethiopia art I've seen in one location.  We didn't plan on making any big purchases so we took a few cards to visit a few galleries and show rooms at later dates.  There was an amazing selection of goods including honey, jams, leather work, textiles. rugs, paintings, photography, jewelry and woven baskets. 

If you didn't make it to this bazaar you should keep your eye out for the next.

Debre Birhan Selassie Church

Debre Birhan Selassie church was built by Emperor Eyasu II in the 17th Century.  It's the only ancient church of this style and age still standing in Gonder.  In 1888 the Dervishes of Sudan attacked Gonder and burned down every other church in the city except this one.  Legend says that when the soldiers approached the church they were met by a huge swarm of bees that kept them away and the church safe. It is also believed that the Archangel Michael himself stood at the door protecting the church from harm.

It's a wonderful example of ancient Ethiopian church art.  A must see in Gonder.

There are two entrances; one for men (in the front) and one at the side (for women).  The girls were thrilled to have to remove their shoes.  No flash photography was allowed to preserve the paintings.  Some of the colors are still very vivid.  I really love the ceiling covered with the Ethiopian angels.  In Ethiopian art good people are painted with two eyes showing.  Bad people are painted in profile with one eye showing.  

In the top left is the King in the castle, his face is in profile.  One eye=bad guy. 

Angels facing east and west

drums representing Jesus, played during chanting

The priests lived in the top of these guard towers.  

Now the priests live in the top of the building shown here.  It's the building at the front gate of the church.