Ethnic textiles are the heart of Crossroads Trade. Weaving, embroidery and piecework are powerful means of cultural expression. Through their traditional textiles, the artisans recount the stories, motifs and rhythms of their lives and stay connected to or reclaim their cultures. A Bolivian weaver, for example, may portray her village's yearly calendar. A Palestinian refugee maintains her connection to her village by embroidering its signature motifs.

The artisans are organized in several ways. Cooperatives, economic development initiatives and nonprofit organizations exist in all the countries from which we buy textiles. We buy from individuals as well.

Upon request, we work with suppliers to improve the quality of their work or to make their wares more saleable in North America and Europe. We suggested to a Bolivian cooperative, for example, that their alpaca scarves be two inches longer. This increased their scarf sales markedly. We have discussed color combinations and sweater design as well. Many times the proportions (such as sleeve length) do not work. Crossroads Trade has provided sample sweaters to the coop, and we hope to sponsor design workshops for the knitters in future years.

Often the techniques and motifs are in danger of disappearing, because practical items made for export, such as alpaca shawls, provide more of an income than do the traditional weavings. Still, there are projects through which the participants are working to reclaim traditional dyes, motifs and techniques. Crossroads Trade seeks out and supports both.

Purchasing ethnic textiles represents one of the biggest challenges we face at Crossroads Trade. Import regulations are arduous. Textiles are usually excluded from trade treaties with other countries, and the costs to bring them in are very high. Still, the textiles are so compelling that we can't pass them by!

In addition to what you see on the website, Crossroads Trade carries other textiles as well, such as Cambodian and Guatemalan ikat yardage and sari fabric by the yard. Please contact the store for more information, at 617-975-2001, or email webinfo@crossroadstrade.com.