Cane Republic’s handmade bags are made from recyclable packing straps and woven by the womenfolk of the Penan tribe, a nomadic people indigenous to the island of Borneo.
For centuries, the Penans have relied on the rainforest for their existence. Unfortunately, in recent years, indiscriminate logging and urbanisation have encroached on their living space and many of them have moved to resettlement camps, with no access to the forest that sustained them in the past.
Cane Republic collaborates with the Penan Women Project (PWP), a social enterprise in Malaysia, to showcase these colourful and intricate bags - each individually made with love by the Penan women. They need all the help they can get and this collaboration helps to provide them with a regular source of income, so that they can provide their children with food, shelter and education. Equally important is the continuation of this rustic weaving tradition which will be passed on to the tribe’s future generations.
Other items in the shop include handwoven rattan lampshades and baskets, rattan handbags, Kantha jewellery, silk scarves made from old saris and photo frames made from recycled newspaper. All our products are handcrafted by skilled artisans so each piece is individually handmade.
Cane Republic has a clear mission to promote eco-friendly products and continues to source mainly from disadvantaged communities in Asia.
Address: 38 Market Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2LB
Telephone: 01749 938010
Website: canerepublic.co.uk
Email: info@canerepublic.co.uk
Facebook and Instagram: @canerepublicltd