We’ve been preparing for several months for our annual Oriental rug sale at Villages of Austin. By simply looking at the rugs, anyone can see how beautifully made they are. What you don’t see at first glance is the story of the people behind the rugs. This week we are profiling JAKCISS, the artisan group in Pakistan that handknots every rug we sell. Enjoy!
From the Ten Thousand Villages website:
JAKCISS Oriental Rugs was founded in the late 1960s by a Pakistani pastor concerned about the welfare of the rural poor around Lahore. As farm labourers, rural people often needed to make extra money to survive. Those who weave carpets often ended up having to sell them to middlemen for less than the cost of the materials. They are also in competition with carpet factories that employ and enslave thousands of young children aged 5 to 14. By banding together and seeking out their own markets, JAKCISS ensures decent wages for all their artisans. Families who are unable to supply their own loom are provided with one for their home. This enables adults to schedule work around their other activities of farming, childcare and household duties. Christians and Muslims, Pakistanis and Afghani refugees are all involved in this rug-making venture, thus building bridges between different cultures and religions.
JAKCISS includes more than 400 families in 69 villages around Lahore. Sales have enabled them to build and staff schools and to support a variety of village development initiatives. There are now 1500 students in classes, over half of whom are girls. This is a marked achievement since the literacy rate for women in Pakistan is only 37% and substantially lower than that for women who live in villages. These schools represent a phenomenal change in a predominantly male-oriented society. The young men and women receive a good high school education and even aspire to go on to college and university. They have dreams of being teachers, doctors and other professionals. Because of JACKCISS, these are dreams that can come true.
JAKCISS has received enthusiastic endorsement by Rugmark International as an exemplary rug producer employing fairly paid adult-only labour.
3 responses so far ↓
David // September 2, 2008 at 11:15 am |
Glad to see responsible importation
Thanks for the read
Mary Mrugalski // September 6, 2008 at 4:47 pm |
This morning I watched the video about how Jakciss artisans create their rugs. I had needed to learn more because I would be volunteering at our Evanston store later in the morning. I was impressed by the process and the quality, but more so by the prospect that purchasing one of these rugs would help a family work in their own home, receive fair wages and also be able to send their children to school. I was determined to buy a rug, even if it would be a small one. As I helped the other volunteers fold back the rugs to show to customers, the beauty of these one of a kind pieces of art took my breath away. I had already read the FAQ’s and had learned that these were heirloom pieces that are sturdy and hold up for probably more than 100 years, so I knew that I wanted one.
Then to my surprise, as I was examining one of the rugs, I began to cry. Something about the magnificent greens, the intricate floral designs, the thought of the family spending close to one year tying knots by hand overwhelmed me. Next thing I knew, I was taking the rug home to try it out in my living room.
I’m sitting on it typing this comment. I own it now. Happy that I could do my part to preserve this centuries old art and also support families and education. Thank you ten thousand villages.
kittybird // September 7, 2008 at 2:50 pm |
What a beautiful story thanks for sharing it with us. These rugs are works of art that sometimes take a year to create, and you just cant help but have an overwhelming reaction, especially when you find one that speaks to you. Enjoy your work of art!