Dalit Karan Clay Pot Candle x 1
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The shape of the Dalit Karan handmade candles resemble the clay jars that Indian women are often seen carrying when returning from a trip to the well. Available in a lavender scent with a hint of vanilla, made from blended beeswax, once your candle has run it's course, the beautiful clay pot can be re-used for anything from salt & pepper containers, to spice jars, be refilled with more wax, or for keeping small craft supplies tidy around the office!
All Dalit candles are handmade by the Dalit people of India, and the purchase of these candles supports Dalit Goods in their work with street children of this people group, building and managing schools and children's homes across the country. They are committed to the highest standards of ethical and environmental responsibility and work hard to combine Western design and Eastern skill to achieve this. For over 3000 years the Dalits – or Untouchables – have been positioned at the bottom of Indias' society and are subject to the most aggressive and dehumanising abuse. The sale of these products make a real difference to the lives of many Dalit children who would otherwise receive no education, or have a safe and loving place to live. -
Approx Burn Time: 26 Hours
Candle Dimensions: L 8 cm x W 8 cm x H 6.5 cm -
For over 3000 years the Dalits – or Untouchables – have been positioned at the bottom of Indias' society and are subject to the most aggressive and dehumanising abuse. They are born into a culture that devalues them from birth with society considering them lower than animals. The term ‘Dalit’ literally translates to downtrodden or oppressed and there are 250 million Dalits who are exposed to this injustice.
Around 20 years ago, Simon Hawthorne and Paul Morley visited Uttar Pradesh, one of the most backward states of India, and fell in love with the people of this amazing country and their children. They also experienced first hand the injustice suffered by the Dalit people and it has been their passion to provide education and support in any way they can ever since.
In 2010 Life Association launched the Dalit Goods brand to raise awareness of the Dalits' plight and also funds for the charity. The idea for Dalit Goods came about as a result from a trip to India by Life Associations director Simon Hawthorne. Whilst there he began to notice a large number of smashed clay pots around the slum areas of Mumbai. These clay pots turned out to be drinking pots which which for thousands of years the Dalit people have often been forced to drink from and then smash on the ground as a sign of their supposed untouchability. It is this powerful symbol of oppression that inspired Simon to launch the range of Dalit branded products.