Comite Artisanal Haitien (CAH) was founded in 1973 to support rural craft persons from Haiti. CAH gives local artisans the ability to sell their crafts in the local markets in Port-au-Prince. The aim of the organization is to build a sale outlet for artisanal communities and help reduce the flow of migrating youth from these communities into the city as wage workers.
Rich traditions and skills passed down many generations, make Haitian crafts a reflection of a vibrant and creative community. Most of the crafts include unique metal artworks made from recycled oil drums, river stone carvings from naturally occurring, soft river bed stones, papier maché masks and hand painted wooden products.
Today, CAH is a non-profit organization that represents about 200 artisans from various parts of Haiti. In addition to creating new job opportunities, CAH offers skill training, literacy camps, health facilities and financial assistance to its artisan members. Artisans producing for CAH are paid a fair wage and organize themselves in various ways such as cooperatives, family workshops or independent artisans.
Comite Artisanal Haitien has made endless efforts to connect to international retailers and developmental agencies to promote these beautiful crafts. CAH has had some success by participating at a folk art fair in the United States and receiving a grant from the Inter-American Foundation to expand in their efforts. Every member and employee at CAH is committed to a better future for the artisans and the rich Haitian crafts.
