KENYAN Kisii Stone
Using a limited number of tools, the carvers mine the soapstone in large blocks, then pare off smaller chunks for carving. Using a small knife called a kisu, the carvers utilize as much of the stone as possible, using scraps to create miniature animals and colorful hearts.
Once the Kisii stone carver create the raw forms, the items are transported to Nairobi, where a loose collective of artisans color the forms with natural dyes and etch the final details. The painted designs are inspired by the flora and fauna of East Africa, as well as textiles, tribal icons and even current events.
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Fetching RSS feed... please stand byUncertain Times in Kenya - African Collectibles
Uncertain Times in KenyaThe people of Kenya had their lives and country turned upside down following post-election violence earlier this year. The unrest left a devastating wake, including hundreds of thousands of displaced people still living in camps, many who lost loved ones, and considerable damage to homes and businesses. The economic impact has been severe and far-reaching, leaving people throughout Kenya without ways to make a living while costs of basic needs rise.
Getting people back to work and earning income is a vital part of the reconstruction process. Artisans who are dependent on sales to tourists have been particularly hurt by loss of work since this major facet of Kenya's economy has come to an abrupt halt. "The impact on the Bombolulu project with 190 mostly disabled employees and casual workers is devastating since there are hardly any tourists to buy the crafts made by them...In January, sales dropped by 90% compared to the previous year," Director, Hubert Seifert advised.
Although there has been a temporary calm in the violence, the future is uncertain.
When you purchase our African Collectibles, you are helping in the recovery efforts by providing artisans with work at this critical time. This also allows our suppliers to provide additional funds to aid in the rebuilding efforts.
KENYAN Bone Art
For centuries, natural substances served purposes that are now reserved for sterile synthetic materials. Clay, soil, wood, seeds, leaf fiber, stones, skins, hair and bones were all elements of one's environment that could be employed for function and adornment. Today, the necessity of using natural materials is gone, but the appeal of goods handmade from organic substances remains. Kenyan bone artists use batik dying method to convert discarded domesticated cow bones into striking decorative and daily use items. By creating works of beauty for export to the world market from what many modern cultures would perceive as waste material. Kenyan artisans to use elements of their heritage to progress in a rapidly changing world.Artisans in Kenya collect the raw material from local butcheries and create beautiful things from a material that would otherwise be discarded.
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African Grey Parrots: Everthing About History, Care, Nutrition, Handling, and Behavior (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
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The African Queen [IMPORT]
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