About
OVERVIEW
Founder's story
Mata Ortiz Originals was created by owner Nancy Spada in August 2000. We were granted membership in the Fair Trade Federation in 2001, becoming the first trader of Mata Ortiz Pottery to belong. This remains a proud distinction.
As member of the FTF we are committed to providing fair wages and employment opportunities to low income artisans in Mexico, aiding in the preservation of their unique art forms and cultures, and the improvement of their impoverished lives.
In the 2001, partner Roger Gee joined the ranks. Singing Shaman Traders emerged as an umbrella organization for Mata Ortiz Originals and our lines of Huichol bead art, Tarahumara folk art, and Taxco silver jewelry. In 2007 we introduced our exciting new line of Mata Ortiz pottery shard jewelry.
Singing Shaman Traders buys each of these one of a kind pieces from the artisans, keeping the cost to the consumer reasonable, paying the producer fairly and developing relationships based on reciprocal benefits and mutual respect.
We have finally successfully retired from confining careers, allowing us to devote additional time and energy to our producers, customers and projects.
We are making at least two buying trips a year to Mexico, always searching for new products and producers groups in need of our support.
In addition, we are involved in sponsorship of a Tarahumara Cultural Festival, development of a small rural beading co-op, participation in countless educational forums and the co-founding of, and ongoing participation in, the Northwest Fair Trade Network.
We are excited about the direction Singing Shaman Traders is taking us! The opportunities to enrich the lives of our producer friends are limitless and are made possible by your ongoing support of us and of Fair Trade.
Thank you
Nancy and Roger
Our mission
As member of the FTF we are committed to providing fair wages and employment opportunities to low income artisans in Mexico, aiding in the preservation of their unique art forms and cultures, and the improvement of their impoverished lives.
Our philosophy
Every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
The types of products we sell
Mata Ortiz Pottery, Huichol Indian Art, Tarahumara baskets, drums, and Silver Jewelry, Silk Scarves from Vietnam, beautiful bags and purses, and more!
Where the producers live and work
Mexico, Honduras, Thailand, Vietnam, Jamaica and Peru.
Projects we support
Women's Birth Clinic, Sama Chique, Mexico
The Cultural Festival, Creel, Mexico
Kiva
Hefier International
Co-op America
Fair Trade Federation
How we select what we sell
We look for small scale, family owned business or co-operatives.
What makes us unique
We sell Fair Trade from Mexico.... not many people do!
More information about us
Our website is www.singingshamantraders.com
We'd also like to tell you
You will love our products!