Angelica Tote

 This show-stopping tote is made from hand-sheared, carded, and woven wool and the finest cow leather, in a structured tote built to carry everything you need and then some. Plus it will keep you cozy on long winter nights! The white wool wears beautifully - water beads off of it, just as it would off a sheep. These are extremely limited editions.

What do customers say? "THE BAG IS AMAZING!!!!!" - Victoria

Impact: each bag provides 3 days of work to women, and 7 days of life skills mentoring for girls through the catrinka girl projects

Details:

• Size: 13"w x 16"h with 4.5" gusset
• Material: hand-carded wool, cow leather

• Handmade in Mexico

Chamula Wool

The wool for this tote is from San Juan Chamula, in Chiapas, southern Mexico, where it is traditionally gathered, carded, and woven by Tzotzil shepherdesses and worn as a wrap skirt (for women) or poncho (for men). Sheep are considered sacred, are rarely sold, and are never killed for meat - consumption of mutton is forbidden by their religion. The sheep are kept for their wool, which comes in natural white, brown, and black, and are always looked after by the women of the community. Chiapas sheep are a specific breed that has evolved over 400 years to adapt to the mountainous environment, and most are offspring of an initial pair of sheep given to a couple as a wedding gift. Families earn up to 40% of their income from sheep raising. Sheep are believed to have souls and to experience emotions such as happiness and sadness.

The wool for each bag takes more than two weeks to prepare, starting with selecting the fibers of several sheep, combing them, and hand spinning the thread (1 1/2 weeks), then preparing the warp and weaving on the backstrap loom (3 days), then felting the fabric, combing the hair back up and felting again (3 days). 

The woman behind the bag:

The wool for this tote was woven by Angelica, 28, from Tzajalum, a small community of 300 in a forested valley. Angelica and her sisters grew up taking care of sheep and helping with the shearing. Angelica's mother and grandmother taught her to weave when she was 7 or 8. Angelica is married to and has one baby, Jose Antonio, who is 1 year old. They are hoping to build a better house before having more children. Photos are of Angelica, her sister Manuela, and their mother Maria.

Shipping: 4 - 6 business days.
While our brands strive to deliver your products promptly, these shipping estimates are subject to change due to holidays, weekends, and other factors. If you have any questions about shipping, please click here to contact us.

Returns: 30-day return policy.

Items must be in good unused condition, with tags, and in their original packaging, along with the receipt or proof of purchase. Shipping costs are in most cases non-refundable, and the customer is responsible for any return shipping costs. A restocking fee may apply. All sale items, including markdowns are final sale.

To initiate a return, please click here.