CEARÁ

The northeastern state of Ceará is known for its beaches and extreme poverty that is believed to cause malnutrition in many areas.  The natural beauty of the capital city called Fortaleza, and the small towns along the coast, offer little hope to the poor living in the dry interior of the state.  That is why we have trekked to towns called Limoeira de Norte, Itaiçaba, Juá and Jaguaruana.    

CERAMIC

The ceramic creations displayed here come from siblings living outside of a small town known as Limoeira de Norte.  The clay used in the vases is not obtained anywhere else but here.  The extraordinary skills have been passed down from father to daughters.  No potter's wheel is used here.  Every piece is formed free hand.  You will be amazed how delicate and beautifully shaped the pieces are. 
Maria, Raimunda and Lucia are three sisters who are well known for their ability.  Unfortunately the notoriety has not translated to income since Limoeira de Norte is geographically remote.  Cross Trade’s orders provide most of their income.  Each has particular pieces they love to create – and we are privileged to buy.  The rainy season hampers their work since the wood fired kilns can not operate in the rain.  This year, after the summer (our winter) rains have passed Cross Trade will construct covers for their two kilns.  The roof covers will allow them to earn income all year.

WOVEN BASKETS AND TABLEWARE

Itaiçaba  boasts a completely different product.  You have heard about the natural wax called carnauba.  In the area around this village grows the palm tree that produces this wax.  However, our producers use the leaves of the famous palm to make exquisite weavings.  First the palm fronds are dried for several days in the sun, then stripped into workable widths and finally dyed into bright colors to fit the intended design.  Our men in Fortaleza stay in contact with these families, as they do with all our producers, to provide encouragement and schedule product pick-ups.  As with all the Cross Trade teams of producers we pay the day the product is received - and give advances to buy raw materials.   

COCONUT PURSES AND BELTS

Fátima is one of our heroes in Fortaleza.  Out of her home she makes beautiful belts and small purses from discarded coconut shells.  More importantly she has taught other families to create handbags and belts with different styles.  On our first meeting she 'dragged' us around to meet her protégés and shared the opportunity to export to the USA.  We are grateful for her unselfishness.  Her friends are also grateful for her, and to you, for your support as you participate in this project by enjoying the fruit of their work.

THE COCO PROJECT

We should not confuse the name of this special project with the coconut products we are bringing from Fortaleza.  The Cocó Project is a very successful attempt by the First Baptist Church of Fortaleza to provide tangible, ongoing help for residents of a local favela (Brazilian Portuguese for a really poor slum).  A volunteer team of church members works weekly with youth from this slum to make terrific products we are bringing to the USA.  The crocheted rugs rival the very best we are bringing from our ladies in São Paulo.  The greeting cards are very special and we are honored to bring them to you.  The Cocó Project goes even further by providing free health care and legal services for families and summer camps for the children.