MEET THE CREATOR
AMAZONAS, BRAZIL
NACIB INDIGENOUS ASSOCIATION
Created in 2012, the NACIB Indigenous Association brings together 50 women from five different ethnicities to create unique contemporary décor artifacts using natural elements from the forest. The raw materials, such as fiber from the Piacava palm tree, vines, seeds and discarded wood, come from Rio Negro and its affluents. The female artisans use ancient techniques to weave and carve the materials, making beautiful crafts that keep their community’s culture and knowledge alive.
Before the association was established, indigenous craftsmen were exploited by buyers who did not pay a fair price for the crafts. Now, these artisans get paid fair-trade prices for their pieces and constantly get trained on new skills, techniques, and abilities. The NACIB Indigenous Association, which is located in the heart of the rainforest, has become a national reference for other community groups and its members travel the Amazon region sharing the experiences and lessons learned.