MATER LIKE WATER
MA•TER \ˈmȯ-tər, ˈmä-\
The Woman of Willendorf is one of the earliest artifacts representing the human body. Mater is the Latin word for mother. Our goal is to honor both symbolic and actual mothers. One theory around the origin of the “Venus” states that, due to the birds-eye view shape of the figure’s body, lack of facial features and tiny feet, the Venus represents an early self-portrait of woman made by a woman, rather than the long believed “fertility figure, a good-luck totem, a mother goddess symbol, or an aphrodisiac made by men for the appreciation of men”, as said by Kathleen Kuiper, Encyclopedia Britannica. This speaks to the redefinition of traditional concepts of beauty and empowerment to take back control of body narratives that we care about. She sees herself and nurtures her spirit.
The Woman of Willendorf is a Paleolithic limestone sculpture, created between 28,000 and 25,000 BCE. It is 4” tall and is maintained in the Vienna Museum of Natural History. It is believed to have been carved in oolyte, most likely in northern Italy.
Mater Soap offers a variety of cold-process bar soaps and organic body products. Keeping our batches small and handmade, we strive to perfect the simple yet subtle alchemy of soap-making and skin care. Our appreciation for the minimalist beauty of traditional bar soap and power of plant oils and extracts deeply inform our craft. Using 100% natural, sustainably-sourced plant ingredients like smoky pine tar, rose-colored kaolin clay, and salty sea plants, we provide the bather with products that nourish the body and mind, enhancing the bathing ritual. Vegan. Cruelty-free. No sls, parabens, synthetics or fragrances.
Just plants. Get dirty :)
Mater Soap pays homage to utilitarian objects that quietly serve our daily lives. Sourcing inspiration from sculpture, architecture, and textiles, the Mater aesthetic pairs dynamic experience with simple and absolute function. Mater Soap chooses materials and composes recipes that speak to the well being of the bather as well as the planet. Our products are enriched by thoughtful and deliberate ingredients with a conscious effort to minimize ecological impact.
WHOLESALE INQUIRIES:
SALES@MATERSOAP.COM
Stockists
CO Bigelow NYC
Dimes Market NYC
Salter House BK + NYC
East Village Postal NYC
Jane NYC
SaveKhakiUnited NYC
Gotham NYC
IXV Coffee BK
Good Friend Shop BK
Nightmoves BK
Nomia BK
Sounds BK
Souvenir Shop BK
Stems BK
Bosco’s Saugerties NY
Germantown Laundromat NY
Village Coffee Kingston NY
Kitty’s Hudson NY
Chango & Co NYC
S&S Corner East Hampton, NY
Lekker Home Boston MA
Pod Cambridge MA
Anther Living, RI
FOLK Kittery ME
Salt & Sundry DC
NMWA DC
Hygge Savannah, GA
ID Chicago, CHI
Tare Grocery LA
Prelude & Dawn LA
Midland LA
Individual Medley LA
Lake Boutique LA
BeautyHabit CA
Good Luck Wine Shop LA
Diani Santa Barbara CA
Cameron Marks Santa Cruz
Valley Bar Sonoma CA
MorningTide Albany CA
Mint Mill Valley CA
Parkside Stinson Beach CA
Reliquary SF CA
The Perish Trust SF CA
Earthen SF CA
Long Weekend Oakland CA
Modest Shape Portland OR
Onatah Indianapolis IN
SubRosa Mercantile Santa fe
Salchicha Bozeman MT
Domistyle Fort Collins CO
Besame Mucho Key West FL
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PRESS
NYM- The Strategist
Domino Magazine
Architectural Digest/ Clever
The Stralande
NMWA
Healthyish
T Magazine
ES Magazine
MindBodyGreen
Seattle Times
passerbuys
Readingmytealeaves
The Primary Essentials Blog
The Bridge BK
Founded by Addison Walz in Brooklyn NY, Mater Soap was born out of a dedication to utilitarian objects that quietly serve our daily lives. Her background in sculpture, natural dyes, and textiles inform the Mater aesthetic. Mater continues to expand its collaborative spirit by working with artists and other like minded businesses.
Enhance your ritual of bathing.
Our packaging is printed by our friends at EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop and our neighborhood printshop in Red hook, BK.