HEARTS

MINI MILAGRO BIRDS Limited Edition

MINI MILAGRO BIRDS Limited Edition

Retail Price: $19.95
Overview
**SOLD IN PACKS OF 6 ASSORTED DESIGNS.
Haitian Metal Art
"Milagros" is the Spanish word for “miracles.” Milagros are small metal charms that come in a wide variety of shapes. Traditionally, these charms were used in Latin America and some European countries as religious petitions to saints and deities, somewhat like votive candles at a church altar. Each charm symbolizes a prayer, hope, or wish. People pin individual milagros to the fabric draped over the statue of a saint or sometimes set them out in a shrine; others carry the charms with them to remind them of the prayer for healing or gratitude.

These wonderful sculptures are handmade from 55 gallon oil drums in Haiti. The steel drums vary from brown to grey to black. As such, colors will vary on each, unique piece. Thank you for supporting our artists. Each purchase makes a huge difference in the quality of their lives.

Size: 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"

ID#: SM367

Quantity:
ARTIST PROFILE

St. Charles Jean Bernard

from Haiti

Tiny Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti is anything but quiet, announcing itself to those who venture there. Hammers clang and chisels tap and in loud proclamation, “We do metal sculpture here!” Indeed, all of our 70-plus artists live and work in this artisan’s village, many having learned their trade from fathers, cousins, neighbors and friends. Starting out as young laborers, cleaning and sanding the metal, and banging it flat, they advance to the apprentice stage, where they learn the intricacies of detail and design work.

As their skills improve and savings become sufficient, experienced artisans often strike out on their own, selling their own work, forming their own workshops, taking on laborers and apprentices, thereby expanding and perpetuating their craft as well as bringing greater prosperity to their community as a whole. As one artist put it, “I helped many people to learn this sculpture. My dream is to have a larger workshop and give more people work. I trust in God that my dream will be realized.”

Providing a marketing avenue for the artists is where Beyond Borders comes in. Not only do we give the artists access and exposure to the world marketplace, as a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we ensure that our artists are paid equitably. Additionally, we uphold the highest social and economic standards, and promote long-term sustainability through dialogue, transparency, and respect.