Each bag is woven by hand, and then smoked over coconut husks, which strengthens the rattan and gives it that warm, golden color. The bags are then dried out in the Balinese sun for several days to let the smoke waft. Once across the world in our Brooklyn HQ, they are aired out again for several days. There may still be a residual coconut smoke scent when you receive your bag. We love and embrace the smokiness — it reminds us that this is a natural product made by real people with real materials from the Earth. The scent will dissipate over time, but if you want to speed up the process, see the next question!