1. 2009
  2. Balej Jewish Community - Ethiopia

Community of Jewish Weavers in Kechene.

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Little girl lies in a pile of woven cotton.
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Little girl lies in a pile of woven cotton.

  • ENSZO members feel great pride for Israel and feel a spiritual connection.
  • Nakargachew Asebe, a weaver and member of ENSZO, works out of his house.  He weaves Tallits and yarmulkas, though there is not a strong market for Judaic items.
  • Little girl lies in a pile of woven cotton.
  • Many members of the community are craftsmen and women who earn their living in cottage industries such as weaving, pottery, tanning leather or as blacksmiths.  The term "Balej," translates to handyman, and it is how community members refer to themselves.  Here is a women with her dyed cotton fabrics.
  • Weaver at work.
  • ENSZO members outside the weavers commune in Kechene.
  • Pre-dyed cotton.
  • The weavers sit in a pit carved out to accommodate their legs.
  • A local weaver
  • Another ENSZO member and weaver.
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