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Horn artistry has a long tradition in Haiti, dating back more than fifty years when it was introduced from neighboring Cuba. Utilizing horn sourced from cattle raised for consumption, the craft reflects an older attitude toward production than our own, where ecological sustainability is not encouraged but expected, a byproduct of a respect for all life. Today, it is primarily practiced by a small collective of seventy Haitians who subsist solely on the proceeds from the sale of their work, producing a limited range of high-quality goods. When they lost their tools and work spaces to the Earthquake, Donna Karan and Urban Zen helped rebuild their operations as a shining example of the Urban Zen initiative to provide sustainable models of commerce for the Haitian economy, empowering them to continue to build lives of dignity and aspiration. |
| Moreover, with the new distribution infrastructure Urban Zen has established, the artisan collective continues to grow, serving as not only a beacon of hope for a new Haiti, but also an important revenue source for one of the many Port-au-Prince refugee camps. The resilient attitude and magnificent creativity of the Horn artisans has allowed us to help them rebuild Haiti through creative compassion and innovative fair-trade business models. We encourage you to visit Urban Zen and experience their impeccable craftsmanship for yourself. |
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