At The Heart Of Poko: Our Artisans
Artisan Stories From Around The World
At Pokoloko, every piece we curate goes beyond just materialistic, it holds a story. Behind each handwoven textile, every upcycled thread, and the touch of alpaca wool, there are artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations. These makers are not just suppliers; they are our partners, our friends, and the heartbeat of what we do.
We invite you to journey with us around the world, where craftsmanship meets purpose. From the volcanic highlands of Ecuador to the pedal-powered looms of rural Morocco, each collaboration is rooted in ethical trade, sustainability, and a deep respect for tradition. These stories are about more than just products; they’re about the hands that shape them, the communities that thrive because of them, and the planet we’re committed to protecting together.
Love From Turkey
Our Turkish artisans are all connected through the traditional techniques they use that have been passed down through generations before. We work directly with a small scale Poko Towel workshop ran by a father and son, and our best selling Crinkle Apparel collection is made in collaborations with a team of two sisters.
Our Turkish Towels, Blankets, Robes, Pillows and apparel are infused with their long textile history, carrying the story of ancient weaving techniques and the quality of natural materials. By supporting these artisans we help sustain local economies, preserve cultural craftsmanship, and promote eco-conscious practices like using organic cotton and natural dyes.
Explore Poko Towels > & Crinkle Apparel >
Love From India
As you explore our unique Poko Home collection and eco-conscious Everlast Upcycled Bags, you’ll see the product of century old textile traditions that our Indian artisans uphold through every stitch. Every piece from this collection is rich in culture and craftsmanship.
Our Upcylced Bags are handmade by Indian women artisans, who resourcefully use recycled fabrics, giving discarded materials new life while reducing textile waste. Beyond sustainability, these creations provide fair wages, skills training, and economic independence for women in underserved communities.
Love From Ecuador
Nestled in the volcanic highlands, at the foot of the Andean mountains of Ecuador, indigenous artisans spin the softest alpaca blankets and scarves using methods carried through centuries. It is in Ecuador where Pokoloko’s very first blankets were born. Co-founder Case Bakker is the godfather to one of the artisan’s youngest daughters, a great honor that reflects the familial roots that are at the heart of Poko.
Our Ecuadorian artisans have grown alongside us since we started >
Alpacas are a familiar sight in the Andean mountains and are deeply intertwined with the cultural practices of the indigenous communities there. Alpaca’s gentle grazing practices and incredible fur contributes to their importance in Ecuadorian culture, and their fibre has been used across traditional crafts and clothing for centuries. Through purchasing our Ecuadorian alpaca products, you are supporting these cultural traditions, the livelihoods of many artisan families and supporting sustainable agriculture and ecosystem protection.
Love From Indonesia
Rattan weaving is integral to Indonesian artistry and heritage. Passed through generations, this traditional practice plays a big role in Indonesia’s economy, culture and environmental impact.
Our Bali Bags and other woven rattan products derive from local forests, and are hand-woven by independent Balinese artisans in a fair-trade environment. This weaving practice is not only a major economic source for local communities, but also ensures the continuity of tradition. Environmentally, it contributes to forest preservation and reforestation efforts due to sustainable harvesting and rattan’s rapid growth cycle and ability to regenerate.
Explore our Indonesian collection >
Love From Peru
Venturing not far from Ecuador we soon find Peru, where artisans have shown us (in person!) just how marvellously versatile Alpaca fibre truly is. It is here that we bring you our Alpaca Dryer Balls, a circular solution to disposable dryer sheets, and our Alpaca Fur Animals, that allows us to bring the soft feel of reel Alpaca fur right to your doorstep.
By working directly with our Peruvian artisans, we ensure fair wages, ethical production, and support for farming cooperatives that have sustained these communities for generations.
Love From Morocco
In remote Moroccan villages, artisans weave our handmade pillows on traditional pedal-powered looms, a centuries-old technique that requires no electricity, just skill and patience. Using natural materials like wool and cotton, each piece is a tribute to slow, intentional craftsmanship. By supporting these artisans, we help preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable, low-impact production.
Why These Stories Matter
When you choose Pokoloko, you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing in people, traditions, and a happier planet. By valuing and sharing their work, we honor their craft, uplift their communities, and prove that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful.
Thank you for being part of the Poko story!