African Trading Beads

Trade beads were otherwise decorative beads used between the 16th and 20th century as a token money to exchange for goods and services.

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The Global Trunk currently contributes to the Amigos de Jaibalito Foundation, which provides resources to the small, impoverished village of Jaibalito near Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.

They also fabricate some of their vintage textile pillows with FundaMaya, a non-profit whose mission is to strengthen the communities in the Lake Atitlan region by promoting education, wellbeing and empowerment. 10% of profits go back to these communities.

The Global Trunk is a women owned brand born after a trip to Guatemala in 2011. Josetta Sbeglia and Cathy Benavides fell in love with the Maya culture, the beauty of their textiles and handiwork more precisely. They offer handcrafted, repurposed and fair trade products -like blankets, pillows, kids toys and home decor- while supporting Maya communities in Guatemala.

For example, they collaborate with Amigos de Jaibalito Foundation, which provides resources to the impoverished village of Jaibalito near Lake Atitlan, and they also produce part of their vintage textile pillows with FundaMaya, a non-profit organization that promotes education, wellbeing and empowerment in that same area.

People
Are they Local: No, but the actual company is based in California. All items are made by local artisans in Africa.
Are they Fair Trade or Paid a living Wage: Yes, Fair Trade. They work with Mayan artisans, cooperatives and non-profits in Guatemala and Mexico along with African artisans.

Materials
Organic Materials: Yes, mix of organic and recycled materials.
Circularity: Many materials are repurposed such as glass and straw.
Cruelty Free: Yes.

Manufacturing

Environmental Conscious Processing: Reduced amount of Water, Waste, Carbon and Pollution: Yes, small batch production reduces chemicals and waste. All items are handmade.