Haitian Metal Artwork

All of our Haitian Metal Artwork comes from the small artisan village of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti.  A tiny village of hammers clanging and chisels tapping turning discarded metal oil drums into works of art, many worthy of museum display.

The artists live and work in this artisan’s village, many having learned their trade from fathers, cousins, neighbors and friends. Starting out as young laborers, cleaning and sanding the metal, and banging it flat, they advance to the apprentice stage, where they learn the intricacies of detail and design work.

As the artists develop and improve their skills, they often move from apprentice to an experienced artisan, creating their own workshop, teaching new apprentices which perpetuates and expands their craft. This in turn helps to lift and improve the entire community and village as a whole.  As one artist put it, “I teach people how to work. When I hire them, I help them to earn a life.”

Providing a marketing avenue for the artists is where Fair Trade comes in. Not only does it give the artists access and exposure to the world marketplace but ensures that our artisan partners are paid equitably. Additionally, we uphold the highest social and economic standards, and promote long-term sustainability through dialogue, transparency, and respect.

Approximately 70% of Haiti’s 7 million people are unemployed. Artisans who are able to export their artwork to the US under fair labor conditions have the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and improve their quality of life.  One World Fair Trade is proud to represent work from many of these artisans.

See our Haitian Metal Collection