ethiopia

{how it's made: upcycled artillery jewelry}

In the mountains of Northern Ethiopia, farmers supply bead makers with artillery shells (from former war conflicts) that are found on their lands. Through traditional techniques passed down for generations, the village artisans melt these shells down to produce handmade, delicate beads. The beads go through several stages to achieve the final polished look, and then they are sent to the women at Entoto Mountain, who then create the jewelry you now wear. The Entoto Mountain is a place where those suffering with HIV/AIDS (ostracized by their family and society due to prevailing stigmas) come because they believe there is "holy water" that might cure them of their disease. Most women are uneducated about their disease and resort to begging in order to survive.

The Beza Entoto Outreach began in 2007 in response to the unimaginable need that began to grow on Entoto Mountain. After spending some time praying for the people of the Entoto community, this small group of seven individuals felt God leading them to do more. Very soon, it became apparent that one of the biggest needs that people living on Entoto Mountain faced was the need for a consistent source of income. It was in response to this perceived need that the Outreach's income-generation program was begun. Noonday Collection promotes the beautiful work of these men and women by selling pieces exclusively designed by Raven + Lily, and handmade by the men and women of Entoto who are seeing their lives restored.

Asnakech is 36 and has lived on Mount Entoto in Ethiopia for the past 3 years. The Ethiopian Orthodox people believe the Holy Waters on the mountain will cure those infected with the AIDS virus. Many live hopeless, lonely lives suffering on this mountain in hopes of a cure. She left her family without any trace of where-a-bouts after finding she had the virus because she didn't want to have to deal with the shame that society would place on her and her family. She lived in poverty and was psychologically traumatized by the implications of sickness. She says that working with Raven + Lily's jewelry making partnership has helped her forget about her disease, giving her hope and dignity. Before, she lacked the skills or education to work, but now she is able to provide for herself. She is also happy that she can save money for her future, which she now believes can be healthy and normal even though she is living with the virus.