Sisal Angels Offer Hope in Côtes-de-Fer

The Jan. 12 earthquake devastated the lives and livelihoods of many Haitians living in the Southeast. For a group of 80 women, hope has been found in a small but lively business—of sisal angels.

New Incomes from Local Traditions

ACDI/VOCA launched the sisal-craft initiative—part of a larger USAID-funded Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP)—in May 2010 to help residents of La Biche develop new income sources from local handicraft traditions.

Known for its artistic and custom craftwork, Southeast Haiti is a major source of sisal, a flexible fiber used to make rope, twine, rugs and crafts such as dolls and ornaments. Sisal grows copiously in La Biche, a dry and mountainous area of Côtes-de-Fer, and when processed properly, it becomes a strong, white fiber that is an environmentally friendly and renewable resource.

The project contracted two well-known Jacmel artists and entrepreneurs, Moro and Paul Baruk, to help design the sisal angels and train the women how to make them.

The women learned how to produce and market quality handicrafts designed primarily for tourist and export markets. Of the 80 women that received training, 20 participate in ACDI/VOCA’s MYAP mother-child health and nutrition program, receiving food rations and medical care to prevent childhood malnutrition.

The handicraft work helps them develop new skills and earn extra income to feed their families and reduce their economic vulnerability.

The angels come in four styles: Michael the Archangel, Gabriel the Messenger, Rafael the Healer and Cherubin the Wise. They sell for between $3 and $6 each, depending on their size and design.

Market Links in Haiti and Beyond

ACDI/VOCA has linked the craftswomen to various markets for the angels. A local buyer recently ordered 350 for sale in the United States, and one of the largest handicraft shops/exporters in Haiti has expressed interest in selling the products.

The organization Aid to Artisans hopes to link the women to additional U.S. markets in the coming year, potentially creating a large new audience for the sisal angels.

Strong yet flexible, simple and elegant, the angels represent the resilience of the Haitians and hope for the future of the artisan tradition of Southeast Haiti.

This initiative is part of the five-year PL 480 Title II MYAP for Haiti funded by the USAID Office of Food for Peace. The program reduces vulnerability to food insecurity by improving mother-child health and nutrition; and developing an early warning system for food security-related crises and increased emergency preparedness.

Pictured at top left: Women in La Biche, Haiti, learn how to make sisal angels.

View more photos of the training in ACDI/VOCA's Flickr album.

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