Twelve hours. No, that’s not the time it takes to make one basket (which is four days, for the record). Twelve hours is the time it takes for them just to deliver their baskets – an eight hour walk through jungles and a four hour canoe trip. No small feat.

This intrepid crew is comprised of a few communities, all connected by the Querari River. They work with the native Bejuco Yare fiber, which is a climbing plant that grows on trees in the jungle. It’s durable, flexible...and these women innovated a new technique to make the material lighter and even more beautiful for basket weaving.

These baskets are primarily used for fishing and foraging due to their durability. But this 65-strong group of master artisans (comprised primarily of women) saw a chance to bring their unique weaving into the homes of people around the world.