Photograph by George Sakkestad
Wooden animals crafted by artisans in Kenya surround Kim Martin, manager of Ten Thousand Villages.
A nonprofit organization devoted to supporting producers of native crafts in 30 developing countries has opened an outlet in Los Gatos that sells handmade gift items.
Ten Thousand Villages at 461 N. Santa Cruz Ave. takes its name from its sponsoring group, which aims to provide "work and fair prices" for artisans in India, Bangladesh, Kenya and other Third World countries. The store, located across the street from T-Bird Pizza, has scheduled a grand opening for Oct. 24-26. A band will play drums and Third World instruments Oct. 26 from noon to 2 p.m.
"It takes $1,050 in American money to support a craftsperson for one year," says Kim Martin, the store's manager. "The artists are paid up front and receive 30 percent of sales."
Prices for a wide variety of gifts range from 95 cents for a hand-painted bracelet or key chain to $800 for a four-foot wooden giraffe from Kenya.
The store benefits from a program of the Mennonite Central Committee, which operates an office and warehouse in Akron, Pa.
"We order from them, but this store is not associated with the Mennonite Church," Martin said. "It's run by an ecumenical board and depends on community volunteers."
Among the handcrafts from Asia, Africa and Latin America are candles and holders, jewelry, baskets, kitchen and bathroom accessories, native musical instruments, carpets, clothing, bedding, ceramics and calendars. A "Christmas room" is devoted to gifts for the holidays. Also displayed are books on the simple life, such as one with the title Living More With Less.
There is pottery from Mexico, chimes and harps from Cameroon, chess sets from Peru and Kenya, and a variety of colorful toys and puzzles.
Ten Thousand Villages, 461 N. Santa Cruz Ave., is open Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 395-9306.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, October 23, 1996.
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