Soko Maasai Turkana Collection featured in Memories are Made of Pride Exhibition in Brixton Sept 29- Oct 09 2010

For the first time ever, that the London Design Festival (LDF) has had Africa and African-Caribbean Design as part of the official LDF programming. We are proud that the Soko Maasai Turkana and Kamba Ebony Collection have been featured in the Memories are Made of Pride Exhibition  in the heart of Brixton as part of this great initiative. We are also proud to be partnered  with two exceptional and talented artists Mike Nab and Frank Lumsden from the Maroon community of Jamaica.

This exhibition is not to be missed please come and see beautiful art pieces and real talent… Truly Memories are Made of Pride

Exhibition

Venue
Granville Arcade
No 14b/c Market Row
Brixton Village
Coldharbour Lane
London SW9 8LD

To learn more about the African and Afro Caribean Design Diaspora (AACDD) please visit  here.

Turkana Hourglass Bowl

Turkana Hourglass Bowl from Sokomaasai.com

The Turkana people are a Nilotic-speaking community in Turkana District, located in Rift Valley Province, northwest of Kenya. They are the second largest group of pastoralists and the third largest tribe country-wide, with a population of approximately 340,000.

Despite the presence of a lake in the area, the natural climate is dry and arid, with high temperatures and unreliable rainfall. Likewise, the vegetation consists of  acacia, seasonal grasses and other desert plants.

As a result of the harsh environment, the Turkana are affected by drought making survival their main objective. However, this has contributed to the Turkana being highly proud and self-sufficient, indifferent to the lures of  change.

In addition to being nomads, the Turkana are skilled craftsmen who create most of the household and other items they use. The design of Turkana ornaments and artifacts is determined by the availability of materials, transportability and a historical aesthetic. All personal and household items are a balance between responses towards environment and tradition. With limited tools and material, the Turkana still manage to create beautiful artistic objects, which reflect their lifestyle and enrich their living.

As Nomads, the Turkana produce items that are functional to their lifestyle. Items must be highly portable and light due to constant re-location. Raw materials are derived from the immediate environment. However, sometimes designs are not wholly dependent on function, but derive from a shared aesthetic.

The Turkana excel at wood and leather work. The variety of vessels, bowls and utensils display impressive beauty and grace. The Hourglass Bowl is an example of an item that is both functional and beautiful, displaying the ingenuity and skill of this tribe. It is carved of one piece of Jacaranda wood until properly seasoned, making it durable and multi-functional. The bowl is oval-shaped with a deep, curved bottom.

The intricate, hourglass design carved into the centre of the bowl has beautiful symmetry. Many bowls are decoratively carved on the outside with geometrical shapes. However, due to the beauty of the Jacaranda wood, the wood from Hourglass bowl is left in its original form. Other factors that determine whether or not a bowl is decorated are the area from which it comes, and the wealth of the owner.

The wood is a chocolate brown colour with a very smooth heartwood grain and texture. Sometimes, cracks or holes that would appear at the bottom of a bowl such as this are repaired with pieces of metal which are hammered onto the wood and decorated, creating a beautiful work of art. Designs may be burned into the surface with a hot nail or piece of metal. The design of  bowls is typically past down from one generation to the next. However, they vary depending on the skill and creativity of the maker. Decorations are sometimes made with red-hot poker to mark individual ownership.

As with other bowls, the Hourglass bowl makes use of Jacaranda wood and adopts a functional shape which is simple yet elegant. Women design almost all the household bowls, carving them out with great precision and patience. The bowl represents a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, since the rounded container walls are only a few millimeters thick. On the West side of Lake Turkana, most bowls are covered with black soot and polished with animal fat, thus protecting them from insect pests, giving them a fine dark sheen and preventing them from splitting.

Functions of bowls such as this among the Turkana include storage and collection of  substances such as milk, blood and fat. It may also be used as an eating bowl, called “atubwa” in Turkana. Smaller bowls may therefore be used for cosmetic purposes by holding animal fat which a woman uses to grease her neck to prevent chafing from her tightly wound necklaces. Items such as these are highly valued in the community, and are used until they can no longer be repaired. For this reason, no items are discarded or sold until it is no longer useful to the woman who made and probably used it.

The rise of industrialization and population growth have had adverse effects on our natural environment. Sadly, those who suffer most from the consequences of climate change are those who contribute the least towards the problem. The Turkana have not been spared from these effects, with most of their natural habitat undergoing drastic desertification. This has resulted in increased drought and famine in the area.

Needless to say, the natural vegetation of the Turkana has diminished greatly, along with their population. This has led to a reduction in the production of several artifacts that the Turkana used to make. In addition, the community has adopted other survival tactics. For example, because of the scarcity of other raw materials, aluminum cooking pots are being melted down to make attractive, lightweight jewelry for both men and women.

However, the urban communities are keeping some of these artifacts alive by purchasing them and using them for various purposes in their households. Items such as this are more readily available in curio shops today, and are even advertised for sale on several internet sites. This shows a need in society to identify with our cultural heritage. The Hourglass bowl can have several functions in a modern household or restaurant. It may be used as a centerpiece in a dining area, or even as a fruit or salad bowl. Alternatively, it may be used in a lounge area or bedroom to display other ornaments such as glass beads or pot pouri. Displayed as a group, the Hourglass bowl can make a great feature on its own.

In as much as appreciation for the art of the Turkana pays tribute to their heritage, it is vital to obtain more information about the community. Just as an hourglass signifies passing time, artifacts such as these represent the age and heritage of a community. By appreciating the efforts and reasoning behind the Hourglass bowl and other artifacts, we are able to respect the Turkana community in a different light.

Sokomaasai reveals: The African Sandal ‘Akala’ – the inspiration for MBTs? Maasai Bearfoot technology (Part 2)

High quality beads and tire strips have revolutionized the Maasai Community’s sandal, accentuating their already elegant dress sense  – most coveted across Africa.  Glue, sewing machines and cutting devices are just accompaniments in the creation of the maasai Akala. When put on display at the mobile Maasai Market in Nairobi or at other locations in the Central Business District, the ensemble will bring you closer to this unique community.

The tire strips are cut into the desired shapes using patterns that are purely the designers’ or that are requested by customers. The strips are cut, sewn together, glued and beaded at the last stage. The end result is the unveiling of very simple but undoubtedly very tough sandals.

Making a Maasai Akala takes skill and the patience. In most cases, the artists are natives of the Maasai community seeking better and more profitable lives either in their home towns or in cities such as Nairobi. The Nairobi City Council has set apart time and space for trade in these and other creative maasai items.

The history and the lifestyle of the Maasai Community of Kenya have a lot to do with their venturing into this artistic trade. They are nomads and they live in the Sub- Saharan parts of Kenya. Long distance trekking is the one very basic part of their lives. They are also hunters and gatherers and their traditional activities and rituals involve a lot of activity, such as the dancing.

Back in the day, leather from the skin of their highly held cattle was used to create their footwear but it would not last long especially in the occasion of rain. The maasai then realized that at their disposal were tires from motorcycles! They cut these into different shapes and sizes at no unreasonable expense.

This venture by the Maasai birthed an excellent idea in the recycling of tires. This was very impeccable because the disposal of tires had been a question begging for an answer especially in Kenya, just like it is in other neighboring nations. The idea of maasai Akalas later meant employment and livelihoods for the business minded among the Maasai.

The Akala is now worn by many because it has become a major accessory in fashion. It is ideal for hunting expeditions, rock climbing ventures such as at the Hell’s Gate National Park, long distance trekking and hiking. Many outlets in Nairobi stock these incredible items. The Village Market, the Yaya Center and many smaller outlets in Nairobi’s main town area.

Maasai attire took the world by storm and granted Kenya fashion an excellent reputation. This was mainly because of the preservation of heritage and the skill of merging nativity and modern art to bring forth something celebrated by locals and internationals alike. There is a new addition to the family- the maasai Akala! It comes customized. It comes plain. It comes decorated with exotic beads. It comes just for you! Go ahead pick yours up at www.sokomaasai.com

Sokomaasai reveals: The African Sandal ‘Akala’ – the inspiration for MBTs? Maasai Bearfoot technology (Part 1)

Today traditional clothing articles are becoming hot fashion on the streets of Nairobi and beyond. Items such as the Kikoy, Khanga and leso are now being woven into fine dress for the whole family. One item that is also being refashioned into modern day designs is the Maasai sandal. I visited Olepolos some 50Km from the Kenyan capital to learn a bit more about the history of the East African sandal more commonly know as Akala.

So how did the Akala come to be?

For the survival of the ancient Maa people cattle and the savannah was and still remains to be a life line. Every tool, article or utensil used by the Maasai came from the wild and could be easily returned to it.

The making of this sandal usually began at the end of a buffalo’s life. Long ago when young herds boys were out grazing their families cattle the hunt would begin. Cattle are intimately one with Maasai culture and they mix well with wild buffalo too. By herding together all the cattle with buffalo it becomes easy to approach the two tone beasts with ease. One lethal strike between the ribs can spear the heart and the buffalo falls. Hide from cattle, sheep and goat could be used to make clothing articles; however the tensile strength of dry buffalo skin meant it could be put to more durable uses.

Once the pelt is removed it was then fashioned into a number of items, one of these being Akalas. A rectangular chunk is cut out and then three holes are punctured through the raw hide. Since buffalo hide is so tough, it is often rubbed down with animal fat to soften it. With strips that have been treated it is easier to make the sandal straps that secure sole to foot. The same strips can then be used severally to make ropes for carrying firewood and so on.

When broken into the hide dries and ensures protection of the wearer, so much so that the same hide is used to make traditional shields for Maasai Morans (Warriors). At a time when the earth gave plenty it was not difficult to put the entire community in quality footwear. Recent times have seen a lesser dependency on the buffalo for it’s’ hide.

The protection of animals in the wild against poaching and unnatural death has seen the move from animal hide to tire treads for Akala production. With such a malleable medium there is no limit to the variations in design, size and comfort. Beaded straps and cushioned soles are just some of modifications to the original Akala. These sandals last and tell a story in the process. I know there’s a pair for you somewhere, so take a look, buy a pair at www.sokomaasai and and journey kenya in Maasai soles!

Summer sandals with the delightful Maasai beadwork designs

The culture of the Maasai Community has contributed largely to the impeccable growth of Kenya’s Tourism Industry. This ethnic group has taken it upon itself to preserve the conservancies and the wildlife in them. The Maasai have also seen to the growth and the export of their traditional attire, prominent among them the Maasai sandals.

They indeed grace the streets of Nairobi especially in the summer. Ladies use them to complete the bright look that is often accompanied by African dresses with large prints of flowers and other patterns. They are worn casually by individuals of both genders and children when taking strolls about town, when out on shopping sprees and during the weekends when the mood is light.

Much like its country of origin, the Maasai sandal is extremely diversified in its design. The Malindi sandal, for instance, has beautiful meticulous etching around its edges and it provides utmost comfort. The beaded sandal, on the other hand, differs from the rest what with the amazing beadwork that adorns its face.

After precision in cutting and skill in piecing the sandal together, turquoise, sapphire stones, silver petals and other gorgeous materials are added for the purpose of beautification. A third type of sandal is existent- it is specifically referred to as the leather sandal by some. The point of contrast when it comes to this piece is its very soft, almost fluffy, padding that provides extra comfort.

The soles of these sandals can be crafted from the skin off cows, leather or tough rubber. Sandals with leather soles are mostly thin and very light. Those with rubber soles, in addition, provide anyone interested in a unique buy with the choice of either a thin or a thick sole. What’s more, all of these factors held constant, the Maasai sandal is water proof, guaranteeing long lasting usage.

The Maasai sandal is perhaps the boldest spectacle of Maasai royalty. This is because of the beads- back in the day they adorned leaders of the Maasai community only, for their recognition as the heads. They did not wear them while taking evening strolls, on beaches or anything of the sort but just like them, this simple footwear can cause a stir at the Amboseli National Park during a picnic, at the Maasai Mara National Reserve while viewing wild game and at the Finch Hattons Camp and others in its category.

Even more amazing is the fact that the Maasai sandal is an original Kenyan piece. In the past it was mostly a concept conjured by the Maasai woman.  As time lapsed, though, the Maasai natives with the skill decided to share the knowledge of the creation of this masterpiece with the rest of the world. With this came the discovery that beads from the Czech Republic were of better quality and were the more original compared to those that the Maasai handmade by crashing seeds and using glass.

Today the Maasai sandal is both part of modern trade in fashion and part of the preservation of one of Kenya’s greatest heritages through the Maasai community. It is manufactured by companies such as Safari-bead Kenya by trained personnel. They use sewing machines, tire strips to create tough all weather sandals and leather to create lighter ones that can be slipped on easily.

A good quality pair of Maasai sandals speaks for itself- it is beautiful, it is strong, it is long-lasting, it is not like any other! A good pair of Maasai sandals is also easy to find because it is always on sale at Nairobi’s mobile Maasai market! On Tuesday it is at the Westgate Shopping Centre, on Friday it awaits you at the Village Market Shopping Centre, on Saturday and on Sunday it is on sale at the City Square and it commands attention at the Yaya Centre every Sunday! With these pieces, it’s not just the simplicity and the uniqueness of a three- piece sandal; it is the utilization of nature’s most precious offers and the conservation of the very same while at it! And of course at Africa’s online store that promotes Heritage, Identity and Pride www.sokomaasai.com

Rafia bags adorned with maasai beadwork – art to be both worn and enjoyed

First was the kanga, the kikoy and the leso – they all hold impeccable reputations even in the international fashion scene. Then there was the Maasai Sandal, beaded with quality elements such as turquoise and sapphire, perfect for the summers and for short walks. Now there are the Madagascar raffia bags adorned with maasai beadwork dramatically accentuating these works of delicate craft! The vital elements haven’t changed though- the uniqueness behind these fashion statements remains! Fashion conscious or not, this is one accessory that can always provide chic finish to its wearer. Pick up a bag or two this summer at www.sokomaasai.com

Why?

The bag is simple and authentic. It is made mostly by groups of Maasai women using the highest quality beads from the Czech Republic. Leather is also incorporated to bring out the most interesting designs and artifacts! Other very special materials that bring out the Madagascar Raffia Bag include non mulberry silk, sea grass, cotton sisal, straws, jute, papers and leisure raffia!

Where can they be found?

The raffia bags are made across Kenya by small business proprietors, mostly from the Maasai Community. One such company is Raffia Bags Kenya. They are also manufactured internationally by those who have embraced the skill along the way. Global fashion has indeed embraced the Madagascar raffia bag and Liz Doyle, an author, has gone out of her way to display this in her book titled ‘How to Make Raffia Hats, Bags & Baskets.’ Many outlets on the streets of Nairobi stock the raffia bag along with other African materials of art and attire.

Is there variety?

There are absolutely no worries of walking down any street feeling like a copy cat! The first point of difference is the material used- a bag can be of sisal, of leather or of both. Secondly are the added decorations and the sizes and shapes that the bags take. Some bags are beaded in various patterns whereas some aren’t. Third is the fact that those interested can specifically order the bags for them to be absolutely customized!

How are they used?

Madagascar raffia bags can be used on both the formal and the informal fronts. They can be used daily as handbags because they are durable, as travel bags, beach bags on resorts such as the Almanara Diani Beach Resort, as shopping baskets on a shopping spree in Nairobi’s Central Business District and as baskets for plastic fruits and even flowers!

Madagascar raffia handbags are, more often than not, hand-woven by Maasai women seeking a steady income or just as a hobby. Regardless of their reasons, the end product is a true work of art because of its simplicity and of the fact that the materials used do not destroy the environment, rather they help to preserve it! The sisal is stripped from its mother plant, special threads are boiled and dyes are prepared to create a beauty that will outlive its makers in the caring hands of the fashion savvy. Don’t let this beauty escape you! Sokomaasai has variety to soil the most discerning fashionista.

Sokomaasai: Where mirrors are reinvented with Maasai beadwork, leather, driftwood and brass fittings

Kenya has recreated mirrors by borrowing heavily from nature. Unlike those that utilize leather and beads, these make use driftwood, camphor and wood stained with that rich mahogany, adorned with pieces of brass, cow horn, bone and old coins. All fashioned into intriguing designs including finger rings, masks, iguanas, leafs and spiral shaped adornments.

When the raw material is driftwood, for example, curing has to be done to make the wood perfect! This is done to stop the driftwood from leaching. One can soak the wood in salty water for seven days followed by further soaking in fresh water for a whole day and then sun drying. The second way is to boil it for four hours or more and the third is to soak it in chlorine bleach for forty eight hours or more.

After the wood has dried, it is carefully cut and carved into one’s shapes of choice, suitable for framing mirrors. In many cases the wood is furnished with glue to give it a shine then used alongside plain wood to give a sturdy look. Old coins, pieces of keys, shells, and glass can also be glued or nailed onto the wood to birth ancient looks while maintaining the idea of a sea shore!

So when a mirror resurrected by a skilled manufacturer is delivered at your home, it is an absolute spectacle! They can be placed strategically based on the shapes they take. The ones with prominent frames can be placed in the living room to blend with African concepts of interior design, for example. Many beach residents love these pieces. The finished product is poses beauty that just draws you in!

Mirrors adorned with the Maasai cultural themes also stand out because of the intriguing shapes they take and because of the beads that are used to decorate them. The shapes are inspired by objects that are daily parts of a Maasai’s nomadic life, such as a calabash, the sun and various shapes formed by intersections of the branches of trees. Frames made of leather are often thick to make room for various patterns of beads for the sake of the bright red, blue and orange colors to set the tone of any location.

The Maasai and many in the world today are sharpening their skills in the trade of what they are naturally endowed with. They have taken the world by storm in the fashion industry and this they have accomplished while conserving the environment. Their creativity has been taken a notch higher and as a result, sea nostalgia and beautiful works of art in simple home décor, such as mirrors, do not need flights across borders and over seas and oceans! Take your treasure home with you today! Get these beautiful items at www.sokomaasai.com.

Jacaranda Wood – Contributing to Kenya’s Beauty

Jacaranda trees have long lined avenues in Kenya. I remember as a child, whenever I saw its beautiful lilac flowers bloom, I knew the Christmas holidays were not too far away.  It is native to Brazil and Argentina and was introduced to the Nairobi Arboretum in Kenya in 1907.  It has a smooth heartwood which is often used to create bespoke handcrafted items that adorn tables and houses across the country. The Jacaranda wood is sourced from sustainable sources.

The artifacts are used traditionally as well as in modern homes where afro-fusion designs are en vogue. The Turkana are amongst Kenya’s communities that utilise Jacaranda wood to create beautiful centerpieces for daily living. The Turkana are the second largest nomadic pastorlist group in Kenya.  They live along the shores of the magestic Lake Turkana – previously known as the Jade Sea for its Jade coloured waters. The striking water colour against the dark volcanic rock makes for a magical experience.

Sokomaasai carefully selects items made by master craftsmen. There are two pieces in its Spring / Summer 2010 collection.

Jacaranda wood leaf shaped Turkana platter:

• Ribbed to depict a leaf vein motif in its rich natural colour
• Excellent as a decorative ornament or center piece
• Creation of the Turkana of Kenya

Turkana hour-glass bowl carved from Jacaranda wood

• Natural wood brown tone in colour
• Can be used a unique a decorative ornament or center piece for your home
• Creation of the Turkana of Kenya

Sokomaasai – Africa Inspired: Redefining Decor and Style

Sokomaasai showcases handcrafted designs inspired by African tradition passed down for generations.

No two items are the same. The designs inspired by natural materials and African tradition passed down for generations.  The interiors and accessories captivate the imagination of the most discerning style connoisseurs.

Sokomaasai seeks to bring the artifacts found in African markets as well as their cultural meaning and their story to the world.  Showcasing the art through stunning photography. Its aim is to provide  an easy to use website to purchase that unique gift or decorative piece for your home.

Market places have always been a great meeting place to exchange goods and services but also to exchange news and insights. Sokomaasai is aiming to create a comprehensive source of information on design and art in Africa. African art and craft has and continued to inspire several designers globally.   We hope we will inspire your home and style.

Sokomaasai celebrates the heritage, identity and pride (H.I.P) of our people – a story untold – one of great artistry and a focus on living a sustainable livelihoods, in synch with nature. Sokomaasai visited Ambiente 2010 in Frankfurt and discussed African art with world experts who turn living, dining and giving into a ritual.  Sokomaasai will discuss African décor for both home and dining. Visit www.sokomaasai.com.

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