Today in 1963, Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule. One year later on the same day in 1964 the East African country officially became a republic with the inauguration of their first president Jomo Kenyatta which makes Kenya 60 today! The nation-wide celebrations include a trooping of colours, tribal dances from over 40 national tribes and presentation of orders and medals to those who had shown distinguishable service to the country.
As you may know, Kenya is known for its diverse landscapes, which includes the Great Rift Valley, one of the natural wonders that can be seen from space, game reserves where you can experience some of the best Safari’s in the world, as well as globally acclaimed white sandy beaches. But did you know about the vast number of artisan communities?
Dating back to the mid 9th century, excavations of fragments of items that resembled bowls, beads and flasks were found off the Kenyan coast. Before the Europeans from the Czech Republic in the 19th century, the famous Masaii tribe used materials such as bone, horn, clay and seeds to make their distinct ceremonial jewellery.
Today, we will take you on a little journey about the history of Kenya’s craftsmanship and its significance in how the artisan communities today play a big role in the preservation of heritage and the financial support they give to those in urban and rural areas that have been marginalised by environmental, economic and conflict.
But first, what exactly is an artisan community?
An artisan community or sometimes a collective is a group of highly skilled people that have learned a specific craft that has been passed down from generation to generation preserving their culture. These communities include both men and women who were not able to receive a formal education as result of lack of access, finances and regional conflict etc In Kenya, artisan communities are the backbone of the creative industry. Communities can be found in areas like Northern Kenya where refugee camps have been established for families escaping war in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia and also in urban areas in Nairobi where people live in extreme poverty with no ability to make a sustainable living wage. These communities empower, educate and protect Kenyan heritage while advocating a sustainable way of life and creating extraordinary craftmanship.
Outlined below are major types of craftsmanship that can be found in Kenya:
BEADWORK
Arguably the most popular type, beadwork is type of craftsmanship that can be found in nearly all 42 tribes. The only difference is that patterns, colours and ceremonial events they are worn for. The most popular type of bead is the glass bead which was imported from Europe in the 19th century where they were found in the coastal region and distributed by long distance traders around the country. Before the glass beads were introduced the more common materials used were bone and horn from livestock, ostrich eggs, baked clay and precious metals. The most common beadwork you see is from the Maasai and Samburu tribes.
In the dry, harsh conditions of Africa's savannahs, women's beadwork adds a pop of color and beauty to the landscape for tourists to enjoy. But in countries like Kenya, beadwork is more than just decoration - it tells a story about the women who wear it.
When you visit the arid regions of northern Kenya, women from tribes like the Maasai and Samburu use intricate beadwork to showcase their current marital status, tribe, and age. Each color in the beadwork has a special meaning - green represents the grass that feeds their cattle, blue symbolizes the sky and rain, red signifies blood, white represents milk, orange is for hospitality, yellow is for cow skin, and black symbolizes the cycle of life.
Every woman creates a unique piece of beadwork that reflects her life story, including her age set, marital status, and number of children. The beads are an essential part of traditional dances, with women moving their necks and shoulders to make the beads dance. They never leave home without their bead-adorned necks and shoulders, even though the beads can weigh up to 7 kgs.
Beads have been a part of Kenyan culture since Arab traders brought glass beads from the Czech Republic to the east coast of Africa. Today, women still use glass beads from this region to create their beautiful beadwork.
Although they look similar, the colours and the styles are different. The two colours both tribes use are Red and White which mean bravery and purity respectively. Aside from that, once you dive deeper into their technique, other colours and style they could not be more different!
Here are some examples of Maasai Beadwork:
(Photo Courtesy of our-ancestories.com)
(Stock Image Photo)
(Photo Courtesy of Pinterest)
Here are some examples of Samburu beadwork:
(Photo Courtesy of BeadWORKS)
(Photo Courtesy of Oryx Photos)
(Photo Courtesy of Andrew Kahumbu Photography)
At ADJOAA.COM we are proud to have Kenyan Brands JIAMINI and MIKONO Africa that incorporate traditional beading techniques by working with artisan communities around Kenya to create beautiful designs that marry traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
WEAVING
Weaving in Kenya is a traditional craft that originates from the Kamba, Kikuyu, and Taita communities in Kenya. These baskets serve various purposes depending on the region, but they are usually used for practical reasons like carrying food from the local market or personal belongings for the more nomadic tribes.
Also known as the Kiondo basket, for the Kikuyu people, the Kiondo holds deep symbolic meaning. The spiral design of the baskets represents the unity of male and female energies coming together to create a whole. This art of weaving has been passed down from mothers to daughters for generations.
In the Makueni region which is closer to the east coast, basket weaving has been a tradition since the 1930s. Women would weave baskets for shopping, carrying goods, storing food and water, and even as gifts. During harvest season, the baskets were essential for carrying fruits and vegetables. Different patterns were used to showcase the weavers' skills and add beauty to the baskets.
Creating a Kiondo basket is a meticulous process that requires skill and patience. Weavers start by preparing sisal fibers, which are then dyed using natural pigments to create vibrant colors. This adds a cultural touch to the finished product.
Although sisal was introduced to East Africa in the late 1800s, it remains a popular material for making Kiondo baskets in areas rich in sisal plants. The weaving process involves intricate patterns and traditional techniques passed down through generations, resulting in beautifully crafted baskets that showcase the weavers' artistry.
(Photo Courtesy of The Basket Room)
(Photo Courtesy of Kikapu)
(Photo Courtesy of The Basket Room)
Brands from Kenya that use these traditional techniques we love:
(Photo Courtesy of Hadithi Kenya)
(Photo Courtesy of Hadithi Kenya)
(Photo Courtesy of Hadithi Kenya)
(Photo Courtesy of Vicky Ngari)
(Photo Courtesy of Vicky Ngari)
(Photo Courtesy of Vicky Ngari)
(Photo Courtesy of @_theshaba Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @_theshaba Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of Kikapu)
(Photo Courtesy of Airu Handmade)
(Photo Courtesy of Airu Handmade)
(Photo Courtesy of Airu Handmade)
Also found on ADJOAA.COM:
VIPINGO BASKET BAG WITH BEADED STRAP
POTTERY
Pottery-making in East Africa is a treasured family tradition that has been passed down through generations. Communities such as the Cushites, Nilotes, and Bantus all share similar shapes, decorations, and methods in their pottery, creating a rich tapestry of artistic expression.
As you delve into the world of Kenyan art, you will uncover the fascinating techniques used in traditional pottery. A key element of this craft is the intricate clay molding methods employed by Kenyan artisans, showcasing their incredible talent and dedication to their craft.
Pottery in Kenya is not only visually stunning but also holds immense cultural significance. It is often utilized for storing food and water, as well as playing a central role in ceremonial rituals. The evolution of pottery styles in Kenya over the years has been influenced by both artistic trends and changes in society.
To truly understand the importance of clay molding techniques in Kenyan art, you need to explore the detailed processes and cultural traditions behind indigenous pottery. These techniques are steeped in history and serve as a testament to the diverse artistic heritage of Kenya's communities.
In Kenya, pottery goes beyond functionality; it serves as a reflection of the community's beliefs, values, and way of life. Each piece of pottery tells a unique story through its patterns, symbols, and materials. The artistic techniques used, including carving, painting, and burnishing, highlight the boundless creativity and skill of Kenyan artisans in these communities.
Traditional Wood Burning of Pots by Kikuyu Tribe (Photo Courtesy of Handmadesoko.com)
Traditional Wood Burning of Pots by Kikuyu Tribe (Photo Courtesy of Handmadesoko.com)
(Photo Courtesy of Vintage East Africa Pinterest)
Kenyan pottery brands that we can’t get enough of:
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @bakuli_blu Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @tope_kenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
(Photo Courtesy of @ceramiqa_potterykenya Instagram)
Beyond the gorgeous landscapes and plethora of wild animals Kenya has a lot to offer when it comes to the design industry. Through artisan communities, Kenya is able to preserve traditional techniques encouraging a more sustainable way of design. At ADJOAA we are always in awe of communities and brands on the African continent that empower, educate and value the heritage passed down from their ancestors.
For more one of a kind, sustainable heritage brands shop at ADJOAA.COM!
(Cover Photo Courtesy by Jane Wynyard of Samburu Woman)
Leave a comment