Bng Crafts: Weaving Lives Together

Blending Traditional Craftsmanship Through Contemporary Products

There is a large minority group of ‘Z people’ in Asia known for their warmth and hospitality. The Z people have a rich cultural history yet remain largely unknown and often overlooked. Unfortunately, many Z people, especially those in rural areas, face the challenge of traveling far from home for sustainable employment, only returning home to their children and families once or twice a year.

Z children should be able to grow up with their parents, and this has become the driving force behind the Bng Crafts business, who are dedicated to honoring and serving the Z community. “We long for this to be the norm, so we prioritize employing individuals with few prospective job opportunities so that they can work in their own towns and villages and live with their families, and also learn life skills useful outside of Bng Crafts — and in so doing, support healthier family and social structures.”

The Z people have a rich cultural history yet remain largely unknown and often overlooked.
Bng Crafts was founded with the belief that the Z people’s creative voice deserves to be heard and celebrated. Bng Crafts creates contemporary products that reflect their unique art, aiming to introduce their beauty to the world. Their work is rooted in values of social justice, cultural authenticity, and sustainability, focusing on building meaningful relationships with colleagues, employees, and their families in a holistic way. Through their efforts, they hope to support the Z community’s well-being and preserve their cultural heritage, with the ultimate goal of transforming people and communities.
Many Z people, especially those in rural areas, face the challenge of traveling far from home for sustainable employment, only returning home to their children and families once or twice a year.
Miriam’s story begins in a remote village hidden deep in the mountains in Asia. Her family are farmers. In her youth, Miriam found factory work in another province and mastered the art of sewing. Now, driven by a desire to be present for her two young children, she has transformed her home into a workspace of creativity and craftsmanship. With a few sewing machines set up, Miriam and other local women can work from home and use their skills to create beautiful and decorative handwoven products. Their work not only sustains their households but also helps nurture their community, creating a tapestry of resilience and connection.
Their work not only sustains their households but also helps nurture their community.

The Z people have a rich tradition of weaving their own fabrics using wooden or, more recently, metal looms. Their craftsmanship features a variety of checked and plaid patterns, each distinctive to specific regional colors. These woven textiles are often worn as decorative headpieces and are also used in clothing and household items like tablecloths, bedsheets, and baby carriers.

Through creating contemporary products inspired by their unique art and culture, Bng Crafts hopes to showcase their timeless Z designs to the world.

Written by Jonathan
(September 2024)
Ministry in Asia