Arzu, a non-profit corporation, is bringing the traditional rugs of Afghanistan to the West. Recent conflicts in Afghanistan had caused disruption to the traditional patterns and techniques and, worse still, stable employment, education and benefits for the female weavers and their families.

Arzu is working to change that. It employs 700 women plus their families in 10 villages. Proceeds from the sale of the rugs, from $1000 to 18,000, are invested in village school and health care.

Since 2004, 700 rugs have been sold. Production is hoped to be at 1,200 a year soon. You can check them out on the Arzu website.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive