High in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan in the steep sided valleys of the Hindu Kush Mountains live the 1,5 million Hazaras. They are the tribe that was hit hardest by the Taliban back in the nineties. Recently they have become famous for providing the stage-setting of 'The Kiterunner', but for long they have been admired for their embroidery and weaving techniques.

Kabul is said to be the widows' capital of the world, with an estimated 50.000 war widows. One of the NGO's that helps them is Zardozi, the most established handicraft project in Afghanistan. In the Zardozi shopping mall, emborided shawls, table linens, purses, dolls and apparel made by AFghan women can be admired and bought.

Dutch company Strawberries Fabrics works together with NGOs in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The NGO supports the female artisans to find markets for their handicrafts by helping them to iprove quality whilst preserving age-old traditions. One of these traditions is the Tarshomar (means: counting the stitches) embroided diamond shaped pattern.

A small exhibition shows how the company applies these techniques. Next to fabrics, caprets, and 'suzanis' also 'chapans', traditional Afghan coats, are shown.

more info: www.strawberries-fabrics.nl