FAIR TRADE

Fair Trade or Direct Trade is a system of supporting artisans by purchasing their work directly from them at a fair price, therefore ensuring the artist a living wage to support themselves, their families and the community at large. At Creation Africa we strive to ensure the artisan receives a third to half of the final selling price of their work. We encourage our clientele to purchase Fair Trade products whenever possible. Through buying fair trade we foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits all people and their communities. Fair Trade is an alternative to foreign aid and another solution in the fight against poverty.

Fair Trade Criteria:

• Paying a fair wage (or living wage) in the local context.
• Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged.
• Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices.
• Building long-term trade relationships.
• Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context.

The cowry shell was traded as the system of currency in Africa for thousands of years. In many tribes, the cowry shell was (and in some cases still is) an integral part of daily life. In addition to “money” the shells hold spiritual importance; they possess a mystic quality symbolizing life and death. Oftentimes, they are used in fertility rites and burial rituals - illustrating the duality in all life. Many shamans use them as a divining tool to tell ones future. With colonialism came the use of gold and paper currency, as well as exploitation of the natural resources and free trade of the continent. This is why we use the cowry shell as part of our logo – to represent a return to fair trade practices.

Thank you for your patience. We will have more information on our fair trade products available soon.