October 7, 2008

Tribe Called Best

Amias Project Bags

Um, hello? It’s your laptop here. Can you stop tossing me into any old bag and invest in something better? I’m begging.

The Amias Project has a solution. The organization sells wares made by the Barabaig, nomadic cattle-herding people of Tanzania. The money helps them afford food and education.

Pieces are inspired by their daily life. The drawstring leather vessel bag with beading in traditional clan colors emulates the gourds used to transport water and milk.

The structured cattle bags made of sturdy leather are used to carry goods — but also, ahem, make must-have laptop totes. One style clasped with metal bracelets used by herd women to make music is particularly cool.

At least according to my computations.


Available online at lilylilyshop.com or amias.org.