New Neutrals

Our Chiapas Pillow collection is made using woven wool textiles created by master artisans in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Each textile has been handwoven on a backstrap loom by a mother and adult daughter team that have been weaving for multiple generations. They learned to weave from their elders and tell us that “weaving and family are the two things that keep [them] going” and “the reason [they] are alive.”

Our artisan partners are masters at weaving on a backstrap loom. This type of loom gets its name from the way it is attached to the weaver’s body. At one end, the artisan ties the bottom of the loom around her lower back using a wide leather belt. On the other end of the loom, the weaver attaches it to a fixed and sturdy object such as a tree.

Our partners create each textile panel from scratch: They gather the wool, clean and card it by hand, and use a handheld drop spindle to spin the yarns into delicate threads. They then weave the wool on the backstrap loom. Each textile panel takes 8 to 10 days to produce and yields just three pillows. The design features the textile’s subtle and natural blend of undyed ivory and handspun grey wool. 

Our Chiapas Pillow is a perfect neutral and textural accent for a sofa, chair, or bed. Every purchase directly benefits our artisan partners in Chiapas, Mexico.

Our Chiapas Pillow collection is made using woven wool textiles created by master artisans in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Each textile has been handwoven on a backstrap loom by a mother and adult daughter team that have been weaving for multiple generations. They learned to weave from their elders and tell us that “weaving and family are the two things that keep [them] going” and “the reason [they] are alive.”

Our artisan partners are masters at weaving on a backstrap loom. This type of loom gets its name from the way it is attached to the weaver’s body. At one end, the artisan ties the bottom of the loom around her lower back using a wide leather belt. On the other end of the loom, the weaver attaches it to a fixed and sturdy object such as a tree.

Our partners create each textile panel from scratch: They gather the wool, clean and card it by hand, and use a handheld drop spindle to spin the yarns into delicate threads. They then weave the wool on the backstrap loom. Each textile panel takes 8 to 10 days to produce and yields just three pillows. The design features the textile’s subtle and natural blend of handspun, undyed ivory wool. 

Our Chiapas Pillow is a perfect neutral and textural accent for a sofa, chair, or bed. Every purchase directly benefits our artisan partners in Chiapas, Mexico.

This one-of-a-kind throw pillow was made from a hand-woven 100% Berber wool carpet created by the Beni Ourain tribe of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The Beni Ourain people are a group comprised of approximately 17 different Berber tribes that raise their sheep at high elevations. These sheep produce a very high quality wool, which is the weaving base for the beautiful carpets they are known for.

Beni Ourain carpets are a favorite of interior designers for their natural dyes and sophisticated, graphic designs. Creamy whites mixed with blacks, browns and greys are the signature neutral color palette of these fine carpets. Woven mostly by women, they use design elements inspired by their location and family history to weave stories of nature and life in each carpet. Most carpets feature abstract patterns and symbols including the frequent, signature design of diamond shapes that is famously associated with a Beni Ourain carpet.

A Beni Ourain carpet’s neutral palette looks at home in any setting, from mid-century to traditional. We are pleased to have salvaged a carpet fragment to produce this one-of-a-kind pillow. We love that each individual Beni Ourain carpet has a story to tell about its origins and heritage. These pillows are a chic global accent that compliments any space.

This one-of-a-kind throw pillow was made from a hand-woven 100% Berber wool carpet created by the Beni Ourain tribe of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The Beni Ourain people are a group comprised of approximately 17 different Berber tribes that raise their sheep at high elevations. These sheep produce a very high quality wool, which is the weaving base for the beautiful carpets they are known for.

Beni Ourain carpets are a favorite of interior designers for their natural dyes and sophisticated, graphic designs. Creamy whites mixed with blacks, browns and greys are the signature neutral color palette of these fine carpets. Woven mostly by women, they use design elements inspired by their location and family history to weave stories of nature and life in each carpet. Most carpets feature abstract patterns and symbols including the frequent, signature design of diamond shapes that is famously associated with a Beni Ourain carpet.

A Beni Ourain carpet’s neutral palette looks at home in any setting, from mid-century to traditional. We are pleased to have salvaged a carpet fragment to produce this one-of-a-kind pillow. We love that each individual Beni Ourain carpet has a story to tell about its origins and heritage. These pillows are a chic global accent that compliments any space.

Our Ashanti Doll has been hand carved by a master wood carver in southern Ghana. A skill passed down through apprenticeship training, wood carving provides a major form of livelihood in rural areas. This wooden figure features human-like details, carved decorative markings and a dark finish.

The tradition of the Ashanti Doll, or Akuaba, comes from the Ashanti people in southern Ghana. Historically, women who were pregnant or hoping to become pregnant would carry these wooden dolls around in their loin cloth or on their backs in order to ensure their own fertility and birth of beautiful children. These mamas-to-be would bathe the dolls, dress them, and adorn them with beads and jewelry. The ritual, it is believed, would bring health, happiness, good fortune and a safe delivery. After the birth of their children, many women would pass their doll down to the next generation.

Our Pushkar Wooden Camel figure has been handcrafted by master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Each camel features a dark wood finish with pressed metal details. Once a year in Pushkar, a town in Northwestern India, more than 11,000 camels gather to celebrate the Pushkar Ka Mela, or Camel Fair. The annual 5-day camel and livestock fair attracts thousands of people who journey from all over India and the world.

The camel is the icon of the desert in India and part of its cultural identity. They are considered to be the lifeline of desert people and a vital component of the economy in arid rural areas. Different than their counterparts in other parts of the world, these single humped dromedaries have a long, curved neck, big eyes and elongated eyelashes. Camels are mostly found in the Rajasthan region of India, with a wild population native to Jaisalmer, a World Heritage Site in the heart of the Thar Desert.

These handmade figures are a stately decorative piece on a table or library shelf, alone or in a set.

Our Washed Wood Jodhpur Horse is a vintage piece that has been handcrafted by master artisans in Rajasthan, India. It features a chiseled, washed out white finish and the details of a traditional costume. It is believed to be a representation of the famed Marwari horses of the region. Bred since the 12th century by Rajput warriors, the Marwari are known for their distinctive ears.

Bred to survive the arid climate of the desert, Marwari horses are tough, courageous and loyal. They come in many equine coat colorations and pinto patterns including bay, chestnut, grey and palomino. Our Washed Wood Jodhpur Horse is similar to the solid white Marwari often reserved for ceremonial use.

Marwari horses are a rare breed that was once at risk due to India’s changing political and social climates; Today, thankfully, many conservation efforts are in place. These horses are primarily maintained for show, safaris, polo and ritual purposes. They are especially popular in the Jodhpur area of Rajasthan.

We love that this figure has a story to tell about its origins and heritage. Style it on your desk, shelf or table for a conversational piece rooted in history.

Our Entertaining Gift Set contains a curated assortment of chic entertaining essentials perfect for any celebration. We have sourced the items in this set from our Fair Trade partners in Uganda, Kenya and South Africa.

The Bottle Coaster has been handmade by a women’s cooperative in Uganda using locally sourced raffia, sweetgrass and organic dyes. Using a needle and thread, the artisans wrap hand-dyed fibers into a tightly coiled, durable coaster perfectly sized for a bottle of wine or sparkling water.

A cooperative of artisans in Kenya create our Bottle Opener, which they have crafted using discarded and sustainably sourced cow bone. They polish and carve each opener by hand with meticulous precision and detail.

Our Elephant Bottle Stopper is created by a woman-owned, boutique manufacturer in Cape Town, South Africa. Using an eco-conscious production method, the artisans cast each bottle stopper from zinc and coat the exterior of the molded elephant with an antique brass finish.

Our Huipil Pillow features a fragment from a one-of-a-kind huipil textile from the Tecpan region of Guatemala. To empower and champion the indigenous artisan population of Guatemala, we have partnered with a non-profit organization, Mayan Families, for this special collection. Meridian will donate 20% of every purchase from our Huipil Collection in support of the organization’s programs that provide job training, education, family services, healthcare, and the opportunity for stable work.

Traditionally, a huipil is a garment worn by indigenous women of Central America. This loose-fitting, square-shaped tunic is often made from two or three rectangular pieces of fabric that are joined together with holes for the head and arms. They are typically woven on a backstrap loom and adorned with colorful, hand embroidered designs.

The huipil has been worn by women in the Mesoamerican region since well before the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s. Most often seen worn by the Mayans in Guatemala (such as this piece) as well as Central and Southern Mexico, the huipil remains the most common female garment still in use today. Many women create special versions of huipil for ceremonial occasions but they also function as an everyday blouse. The designs featured on each huipil vary from community to community, as each region has their own distinct colors, symbols and lengths representing one’s religion and tribal affiliation.

Each huipil has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage, the woman who wore it and the artisan handmade process. Our Huipil Pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. Every purchase will have a direct impact on artisan initiatives in Guatemala, and we are delighted to partner with Mayan Families to support their organization in this effort.

Our Huipil Pillow features a fragment from a one-of-a-kind huipil textile from the Tecpan region of Guatemala. To empower and champion the indigenous artisan population of Guatemala, we have partnered with a non-profit organization, Mayan Families, for this special collection. Meridian will donate 20% of every purchase from our Huipil Collection in support of the organization’s programs that provide job training, education, family services, healthcare, and the opportunity for stable work.

Traditionally, a huipil is a garment worn by indigenous women of Central America. This loose-fitting, square-shaped tunic is often made from two or three rectangular pieces of fabric that are joined together with holes for the head and arms. They are typically woven on a backstrap loom and adorned with colorful, hand embroidered designs.

The huipil has been worn by women in the Mesoamerican region since well before the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s. Most often seen worn by the Mayans in Guatemala (such as this piece) as well as Central and Southern Mexico, the huipil remains the most common female garment still in use today. Many women create special versions of huipil for ceremonial occasions but they also function as an everyday blouse. The designs featured on each huipil vary from community to community, as each region has their own distinct colors, symbols and lengths representing one’s religion and tribal affiliation.

Each huipil has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage, the woman who wore it and the artisan handmade process. Our Huipil Pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. Every purchase will have a direct impact on artisan initiatives in Guatemala, and we are delighted to partner with Mayan Families to support their organization in this effort.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile. Each Vintage Mudcloth Pillow features a unique panel cut from the same one-of-a-kind textile; No two are exactly alike and pattern placement may vary from pillow to pillow.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.

Mudcloth, or bogolanfini, is traditionally made by the Bamana people of Mali using materials and dyes locally sourced in the region. The technique dates back to the 12th century when the cloth was made to be a highly symbolic and utilitarian textile.

The creation of mudcloth is an entirely by-hand, multiple step process that takes over a year to complete. The women of a household spin cotton into a thread before it is hand woven on a narrow strip vertical loom. The narrow strips are sewn together to create the desired width for each panel. To dye the cloth, iron-rich mud is collected from streams and ponds, and is fermented for an entire year until it turns black. The makers then soak the cloth in a liquid made of the leaves of native trees, which dyes the cloth and allows for the tannins in the mud to bind the cotton. A female artist outlines the resist pattern with a stick or metal tool and then the entire background is covered with the fermented mud. This meticulous application is repeated twice to ensure a dark, rich color.

Each piece of mudcloth has a specific story to tell about cultural heritage and the artisan handmade process. Our mudcloth pillows are a luxurious addition to your home, steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.