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421 Water Street Saugatuck, MI 49453 [across from gazebo] (269) 857-7199 or e-mail us note:SHIPPING ADDRESS: 6187 BAYOU TRAIL, SAUGATUCK, MI 49453 |
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WELCOME! THANKS FOR VISITING OUR FAIR-TRADE MARKET SHOP in Saugatuck Michigan. Handcrafts available from Otavalito include natural fiber wool & cotton hand knit and woven sweaters & jacke t s, art weavings & bags, 100% cotton blouses & shirts, all made in the homes of artisans. In addition, a broad array of other handcrafted, artisan-made goods from Latin America are available in our store. |
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Otavalito
is a Fair-Trade
marketplace specializing in handcrafted textile goods produced
by indigenous Ecuadorian artisans is a member of the Fair Trade Federation & Co-op America's Green Business Network |
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THE STORY OF OTAVALITO
(little Otavalo): Otavalito
(formerly Otavalos) began in 1986 as a cooperative effort between
Otavalo families in Ecuador and their North American friends
to bring cultural programs of music and a fair trade craft market
to the international community. |
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 The Chango family at work |
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 Diana at her loom |
 Knitter from Carabuela |
The land surrounding
this region is owned in small parcels by the Otavaleños
who produce cotton, cereals, sugar cane, potatoes, fruit and
livestock. The main economic activity however, centers on the
Otavalo craft market, famous for its wool and cotton textiles,
leather goods and native jewelry. In pre-colonial times, they were already an independent people trading with the Inca empire to the south. The weavers of the villages in and near Otavolo are the most accomplished in Ecuador. Work is contracted and done in an extended family structure in the homes of the artisans. For more information on programs of music or craft sales, contact Robin Tinholt at (269) 857-7199, or come visit the "Otavalito" store in downtown Saugatuck, MI, on 423 Water St. You may also contact Otavalito by email by clicking here. . |
 Women's co-op work |
 Hot lunch served daily at Pintag school in La Companía |
 Weaving the future |
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Otavalito is a member of the Fair Trade Federation (www.fairtradefederation.org) | |
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Otavalito is a member of thr Co-op America (www.coopamerica.org) | |
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Otavalito is a member of Weave a Real Peace (WARP), a networking organization of weavers, academics, and interested supporters who value the importance of textiles to communities around the world(www.weavearealpeace.org) | |
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