CHANNEL YOUR INNER ATHENA

Athena is a mythological figure, an age-old symbol of many virtues that have inspired people throughout history. One of the most well-known goddesses of the Greek pantheon, she represents wisdom, justice, inspiration, courage, and the arts. In Greek mythology, Athena was the daughter of Zeus, the ruler of all the gods and goddesses. She emerged in the world fully grown, clothed in armor, bearing a shield and shouting war cries. Athena was from that moment Zeus’s favorite child and became who we all know now as the Goddess of Wisdom.

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image credit: maicar.com)

There are many great parallels between Athena’s values and ours. She represents strong women by being the Goddess that stands up for what she believes in and though she never had children, legend states that she fostered a semi-god that was born from the Earth. Here at Mata, we also believe in the importance of strong females and the effect they can have on society. We support the empowerment efforts of women in developing countries, partnering with groups that pay fair wages and care about the safety and well-being of these women and their families.

As the protectress of all crafts, Athena introduced the making of clothing, carpentry, and other arts. Legend claims that she also invented some very useful things including the flute, the whistle, the carriage and many more everyday items. We understand the uniqueness and importance of handmade items – the making of our garments and jewelry are part of a longstanding craft tradition, created by artisans who have honed their skills over years. Our products honor the history and hard work of the artisans involved.

Athena symbolizes the progress of society and a new social order where justice and peaceful resolution are favored. Mata is a fair trade organization that shares the goddess’s vision for a more progressive future: justice is at the forefront of everything we stand for. Practicing fair trade means working for fairness and equality in a well-established system riddled with flaws, inconsistencies, and ambivalence toward human lives.

Athena stands for wisdom, justice, craft, and women’s empowerment– many qualities we value highly here at Mata Traders, so it’s no coincidence that our latest cuff is an homage to the fiercest, feistiest greek mythological figure. When you wear your Athena Cuff, channel in your inner goddess and all that Athena and Mata Traders represent.