Behind the Maker: The Abyssinia Collection by PET Lamp

The Abyssinia Collection is the result of a vibrant and thoughtful collaboration between PET Lamp and Ethiopian artisans, celebrating one of Africa’s most culturally and historically rich nations. Produced in Addis Ababa, this collection reimagines Ethiopia’s iconic basketry traditions through contemporary design while preserving the ancestral craftsmanship passed down through generations.

They found inspiration in the uniquely diverse cultural landscape of Ethiopia — a country of over 80 million people, 18 languages, and a legacy as the only African nation never colonized. From the ancient Christian heritage of the north to the ethnically rich communities along the Omo River in the south, Ethiopia is a place where history, ritual, and identity remain deeply interwoven in daily life. The craft of coiled basket weaving, in particular, is a vibrant expression of this identity, especially among women, who invent patterns from memory and intuition, often without any sketches or guides.

Working with artisan Salem Kasshun and his Addis Ababa-based workshop, PET Lamp saw an opportunity to elevate this rich tradition and share it with the world. Salem’s vision to modernize Ethiopian handicrafts while generating local employment aligned seamlessly with PET Lamp’s mission. Together, they developed a collection that adapts the flat, circular shape of traditional injera-serving baskets into lighting designs that are both functional and expressive.

The artisans used locally-sourced grasses and palm leaves, dyed naturally, to wrap around dry fibers in a meticulous coiling process. The PET plastic bottle—an element central to PET Lamp’s global upcycling initiative—was incorporated into the structure, providing both form and purpose. The resulting lamps reflect a sophisticated interplay of color, material, and symbolism, all while telling a story of craft, sustainability, and cultural pride.

Today, around eight artisans work on the Abyssinia Collection, some from home, others at the communal workshop, forming a supportive, creative environment. They take pride in their craft and in being part of a global initiative that showcases the enduring beauty of Ethiopian basketry through a modern, international lens.

For these artisans, PET Lamp is more than a collaboration — it’s a meaningful livelihood, a creative outlet, and a way to share their heritage with the world.