Rift Valley Handwoven Ethiopian Cotton Tea Towel

Bands of handwoven cotton drawn across saturated color

Fine rows of natural cotton travel across the Rift Valley Tea Towel, breaking its richly colored ground into a measured linear pattern. Woven from Ethiopian cotton spun by hand, the cloth is soft, absorbent, and finished with neatly hemmed edges for regular use in the kitchen.

The towel takes its name from the Great Rift Valley, which runs through central Ethiopia. Its long horizontal bands translate that expansive landscape into a practical textile, available in colors ranging from deep Navy and Cedar to vivid Copper and Gold.

From Cotton to Finished Cloth

Hand Spun Cotton: Spinning the Ethiopian cotton by hand creates subtle variation within the yarn and gives the towel its distinctive texture.
Traditional Loom Weaving: Artisans weave each towel in Addis Ababa using traditional Ethiopian looms and established techniques.
Linear Pattern: Contrasting rows cross the colored ground, creating a simple striped design that remains visible when the towel is folded or hung.
Finished Edges: The towel is hemmed on every side for durability through repeated use and washing.
Hanging Loop: An integrated loop keeps the towel within reach between uses.

Sabahar in Addis Ababa

Woman Owned Business: Sabahar has operated as a woman owned Fair Trade textile company in Ethiopia for more than 20 years.
Fair Trade Production: The company provides fair wages, safe working conditions, and reliable employment for artisans in Addis Ababa.
Traditional Skills: Cotton spinning, dyeing, and loom weaving are completed by hand, preserving Ethiopian textile practices within useful contemporary designs.
Small Batch Character: Slight shifts in color and weave distinguish each handmade towel.

Color Options

Copper: A deep orange grounded by earthy red undertones.
Gold: A saturated yellow with the warmth of ochre.
Bronze: A golden brown suited to warm and neutral kitchens.
Flax: A pale natural shade that emphasizes the woven cotton texture.
Navy: A deep blue crossed by lighter woven bands.
Cedar: A dark green drawn from evergreen foliage.

In Everyday Use

Kitchen Drying: Absorbent cotton makes the towel useful for dishes, glassware, hands, and countertops.
Bread Service: Fold beneath a loaf or use to line a basket for bread, rolls, and pastries.
Food Preparation: Place beside a cutting board or use to cover dough as it rests.
Easy Hanging: Use the sewn loop to hang the towel from a hook or cabinet handle.

Product Details

Material: 100% Ethiopian cotton
Yarn: Spun by hand
Construction: Woven by hand on traditional Ethiopian looms
Edges: Hemmed on all sides
Feature: Hanging loop
Dimensions: 42 x 65 cm / approximately 16 x 26 in
Colors: Copper, Gold, Bronze, Flax, Navy, and Cedar
Origin: Handmade in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Variation: Slight differences in color and weave are expected from small batch spinning, dyeing, and weaving

Care

Washing: Machine wash in cold water.
Drying: Tumble dry using low heat.
Ironing: Iron as needed.
Bleach: Do not bleach.

Ideal For

• Drying dishes, glassware, and hands
• Lining bread and pastry baskets
• Covering dough during proofing
• Bringing saturated color into the kitchen
• Supporting traditional Ethiopian cotton spinning and weaving

Soft enough for hands, absorbent enough for dishes, and woven with a pattern inspired by the Ethiopian landscape, the Rift Valley Tea Towel is designed to be used every day.