Boutique Vestine Woven Bowls - Green

Across rural Rwanda, Azizi Life partners with more than 760 skilled artisans, connecting local crafting cooperatives to customers around the world. Azizi Life began in 2008 as an initiative of the Christian nonprofit Food for the Hungry. Through a business development program, it met artisan cooperatives with skill, leadership and vision, but selling their crafts to neighbors or through a middleman did not earn enough to support their families.

The artisans use what Azizi Life calls natural, renewable materials, harvested locally, and most come from plants that keep growing after the fibers are harvested. Every current design began as an idea from the artisans themselves, with a little input from Azizi Life staff and volunteers on quality, design and color.

Azizi Life is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and is committed to paying the artisans an agreed upon fair wage as soon as it receives their products. The added income from selling their work helps families afford things like medical insurance, school materials and a more balanced diet. In 2016, as a step toward local ownership, the founder handed leadership of Azizi Life to Jeannine Umutoniwase as CEO.

• Natural sisal fibers
• Forest grass core material
• Rwandan-grown tea leaves for natural dyeing

• Small bowl: 7 inches diameter
• Medium bowl: 12 inches diameter
• Handwoven spiral pattern design
• Includes hanging loop for wall display

• Fair trade certified artisan made
• Small batch limited edition production
• Women artisan cooperative created

• Wipe clean with dry cloth only
• Avoid water or moisture exposure
• Store in dry location when not displayed
• Handle gently to preserve natural fibers

Q: How are these bowls colored green?
A: The green color comes from natural tea-dyeing where white sisal fibers are steeped in locally-grown Rwandan tea leaves to achieve the rich, earthy green tone.

Q: Can these bowls hold items or are they just decorative?
A: These bowls work beautifully for both display and light storage of items like keys, jewelry, or small household objects, though they're designed primarily as decorative pieces.

Q: How do I display these on my wall?
A: Each bowl includes a woven loop on the back specifically for hanging, making wall display simple with a small nail or hook.

Q: What's the difference between small and medium sizes?
A: Small bowls measure 7 inches in diameter while medium bowls are 12 inches, with the medium size taking artisans an additional day to complete due to the intricate weaving required.

Q: How long does each bowl take to make?
A: Skilled artisans spend 1-2 days creating small bowls and 2-3 days for medium bowls, carefully threading each strand of sisal from the center outward.

Q: Are these made by the same artisan group?
A: Each bowl comes with a tag sharing information about the specific artisan cooperative who created it, connecting you directly to the maker's story.

Q: Will the natural materials change over time?
A: With proper care and dry storage, these natural sisal bowls maintain their beauty for years, developing a gentle patina that adds to their handcrafted character.

The Maker’s Circle represents the heart of what we believe in. Our 10 guiding values reflect how we curate, connect, and celebrate the people behind the goods within our slow living community. These are the values our makers strive for.

1. Slow Living Values – Purpose driven, intentional creation
2. Transparent Sourcing – Honest origins and clear practices
3. Safe Materials – Non toxic, body safe, and eco friendly
4. Small Batch Crafted – Made in limited quantities with care
5. Handmade Quality – Human touch and artisan skill in every detail
6. Timeless Craftsmanship – Enduring beauty and thoughtful function
7. Ethical Production – Fair labor and responsible practices
8. Sustainable Practices – Respect for nature at every stage
9. Positive Energy – Made with love, gratitude, and good intention
10. Conscious Packaging – Minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable materials

Each item ships directly from the maker’s workshop or studio. You may receive multiple packages, each crafted and packed by the artisans themselves.

We want you to love what you ordered, but we understand returns happen. Most items can be returned within 30 days if unused and in original condition. Some makers have unique return policies, which we honor respectfully.

See full details here: Refund Policy

HEALTH DISCLAIMER: The Ever Good is not a healthcare provider and does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Product details and ingredient information are provided by the makers, and The Ever Good is not responsible for their claims. Our guiding values are for general inspiration and selection purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any health-related concerns.