dZi: the Tibet Collection

dZi, Inc. is a fair trade company dedicated to bringing Tibetan artisans better economic opportunities through the development and marketing of their craft traditions. Most of the artisans are Tibetans living in India and Nepal since 1959 when their leader, the Dalai Lama, first went into exile as a result of China's invasion of Tibet.

Their clothing is made by a group of 35 young Tibetan tailors and support staff. The production center is managed by the Charitable Trust for Handicraft Exports, an income generating unit of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Proceeds support increased development of trade skills and improved facility resources such as equipment, day care, and living conditions. New workers receive regular training from experienced Tibetan tailors as well as western consultants sent by dZi to assist in ongoing efforts to empower the artisans.

They also carry handmade paper products, folk art woodblocks, Tibetan aromatic incense and cooking sauces, silver jewelry, and Tibetan ritual items including malas, windchimes, singing bowls, and prayer flags. These crafts provide valuable income for Tibetan artisans through cultural production, and offer an engaging avenue for the public to learn about and participate in traditional and contemporary Tibetan cultures and political struggles.