Exiled is dedicated to reviving and elevating traditional, heritage crafts and the artisans that practice them. This commitment is expressed no more vividly than through our Sri Lanka initiative, where in the Monaragala District of the country’s North Central province we support and collaborate with a local community of women skilled in the art of reed and rush weaving.
Reeds and rushes used for weaving, such as pan and hanne, are typically found growing in marshy areas, paddy fields, and along riverbanks, especially in the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. These plants thrive in wetland ecosystems and are often sustainably harvested by local communities like those in Monaragala, who rely on them for generating an income from their craft.
Exiled is working with the women in Monaragala to produce a unique collection of reed and rush bags and accessories, expertly woven together with premium leather recovered from our parent company MYGroup’s waste management operations with a leading luxury car manufacturer, known the world over.
This special line of reed and rush products truly epitomises Exiled’s philosophy of transforming both natural and discarded materials into coveted products through expert craftsmanship. Each piece embodies a profound narrative, from the reeds gathered sustainably along tranquil waterways to the skilled hands that weave them new life.
Here we share with you insights from the reed and rush production process in Monaragala, following the day’s activities of one of our artisans in the community.
