Wood stool, 'Meditation'

Product Review

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Carved by hand, this low stool curves for comfort and proper posture. It is designed especially for meditation. "I seek harmony between people and nature, and the importance of meditation," says Gerry Cooklin of Pats. The design stresses body alignment and the stretching of muscles. Fashioned of tornillo wood, it is crafted by Yanesha people from member communities. Artisan Info: "Pats" comes from the Yanesha language meaning "Earth." Gerry Cooklin, a furniture maker in Peru, firmly believes that the world's furniture industry has a great responsibility towards the preservation of the forests. He outlined a program of social and environmental responsibility to be developed in Peru's Palcazu Valley, situated in the central jungle of the Oxapampa province. It is here were most of the Yanesha people live. Cooklin refers how, one night in 1997, he dreamt that he could contribute toward a lasting change in the preservation of forests, as well as in the financial situation of many people. He realized that through his furniture business he was consuming many tropical hardwoods, and that many people depended on the work he offered them. "I realized the potential I had to achieve these changes through my furniture business," confides Gerry. "From that moment on, we changed our focus