In November 2022, the China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation approached Salem’s Designs with a unique basket design to be transformed into a giant chandelier and mounted from a ceiling.
This was an almost impossible task since their artisans had never attempted such a project.
However, they thought that it would be the ideal opportunity to test the capabilities of the artisans and so accepted the work order in January 2023.
Salem asked for a metal frame with the desired shape to be provided, with the rest of the intricate weaving of the design to be undertaken by the artisans.
It took 7 women roughly 700 hours and 3½ months to complete the task. The actual physical difficulty and back breaking nature of the work necessitated the women to work in morning and afternoon shifts.
The basketry section at Salem’s has been a popular and enduring feature since 2008 with skills often passed down within families. However, with regard to design, quality and overall marketability, the women artisans’ skills have been enhanced over the years through training and guidance. While some of the Salem’s Design artisans work from home, the women who
worked on this project are all salaried and
long-time employees.
Although a Chinese organisation commissioned this work and it hangs in a Chinese built hotel, you might well assume that it is a Chinese made basket! However, it is proudly Ethiopian –in design and hand weaving, produced by dedicated and skilled Ethiopian artisans!
If you haven’t visited Salem’s Designs yet, a cultural emporium of beautiful Ethiopian fashions, jewellery, accessories and of course basketry awaits you!
salemethiopia.com
facebook.com/SalemsEthiopia
salemsdesigns@gmail.com
+251 (0) 116 18 56 04
+251 (0) 911 52 96 82
Monday – Saturday 9: 00 AM – 6:00 PM
I think I know w/o Marta Nesibu and family from childhood onward if she is the one living in Italy. She should be in her 90’s now! She is/was a very gifted woman.