Our Patience placemat is handwoven in collaboration with an NGO in Uganda that supports marginalised women, creating a source of steady income through skilled, dignified work.
Each piece begins with banana fibre, cut into strips and dried in the sun. Raffia is then dyed using natural pigments derived from plants and vegetables, before being wrapped around the fibres and woven by hand to form the base, finished with a soft raffia fringe that adds movement and texture.
Named after Patience, the woman who wove it, this piece carries both the skill of its making and the story of the hands behind it.
Its larger round form makes it easy to use across the table, whether placed beneath serving dishes, used as a charger, or layered into the home as a decorative piece. A small loop has been added, allowing it to be hung when not in use, becoming part of the space rather than something stored away.
It also pairs naturally with other pieces in the collection, offering a more textured contrast when layered together.
No two are exactly the same. Variations in tone, weave, and fringe are part of the process, giving each placemat its own character. If purchased as a set, we do our best to pair pieces that sit naturally together.
Details
Size: 45cm diameter x 1cm thickness
Colour: Natural, brown and black
Material: Banana riddle and raffia
Origin: Made in Uganda by women who have left abusive and child marriages, creating a source of steady, independent income through their craft.
Care
To clean, dust with a dry cloth and air-dry to freshen. Wipe immediately if stained. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth to spot clean, ensuring the mat is fully air-dried afterwards.
These pieces are made entirely from natural materials. Avoid prolonged contact with water and do not store in damp environments, as this may cause the fibres to weaken over time.
Giving back
Each purchase supports the women who make them, helping to sustain both income and craft within their community.
A portion of proceeds is shared with marginalised communities through our ongoing partnership with human rights organisation Restless Beings.
For every order placed, we also plant a tree, contributing to long-term environmental restoration.
