Akha cotton cushion covers, 'Tribal Flower' (pair)

Staged on a glorious black cotton background, a floral geometric ensemble evokes the natural beauty and fragrance of blooming flowers. Enhanced with playful tassels and Job's tears seeds woven into the design, this pair of cushion covers is perfect for decorating the living room with a warm Thai accent and is conveniently featured with a button back-closure. Cushions not included. By trading their colorful handicrafts, the Akha members of the �Thai Tribal Crafts� are improving the quality of life of their people while restoring and reviving traditions and expressions which otherwise, may have been lost forever. Hailing from the majestic lands of Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar and Thailand. Today, there are about 20, 000 Akha natives living in the Northern Hills of Thailand, in villages distinguished by beautifully carved gates and protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its ancestral values through their traditional skills and knowledge. In the Akha society, women play an important role and have developed great skills and techniques in the manufacture of splendid cotton fabrics. They spin, dye and weave the cotton threads on a foot-powered loom. Finally, the pieces are sewn and decorated with bright colored appliqu�, embroidery, feathers, Job�s tears, cowry shells, beads, buttons, coins and silver ornaments. NOTE: As each item is a unique expression of the artisan's creativity, the products you receive will feature a very similar color and pattern scheme but may not be exactly identical to the one in the photograph.