Web Turns Tables on E-Commerce

Web Turns Tables on E-Commerce

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 06, 1999-In a clear demonstration that the World Wide Web has turned the tables in favor of the under-dog, South American Crafts.com announced today a new Web site offering Third World crafts to First World buyers. The site, www.southmericancrafts.com, has opened the world to a legion of artisans who would have never found access to sophisticated markets otherwise. The site offers hand-made tapestries and sweaters, and will soon expand its line of products to include things like handbags.

"We are very excited of offering this opportunity to our friends back in Ecuador," said Yovi Murillo, owner of South American Crafts.com. "Before the Internet ever existed, artisans in underdeveloped nations depended solely on tourism to sell their crafts. Now, regardless of the financial or political situation in their country, the artisans will always have access to their markets. It is indeed a very rewarding feeling."

The primary line of products are hand-made woolen tapestries. These are manufactured in the exactly as the artisans' Inca predecessors did. Wooden looms are built from scratch by hand. The wool is washed, dyed, threaded, and woven by hand. Designs and patterns decorate all pieces of work, and each composition reveals an aspect of Ecuador.

"'Different' is the word I would use to define what the site has to offer," said Marta Donayre, general manager of South American Crafts.com. "Not only are the goods hand-made, the motifs and designs used reflect the unique daily scenarios of the Andean life, which is something worthy of appreciating."

For more information, please contact Marta Donayre at marta@southamericancrafts.com, or visit our Web site at http://www.southamericancrafts.com.