Enhancing the beadwork skills of vulnerable groups at Lake Natron region
Beadwork is
cultural heritage
Hundreds of colorful beads worn around the neck: Hardly anything has shaped the image of Africa as much as the Emangeki necklaces of the Maasai. Because of their eye-catching clothing and jewelry, the Maasai are one of the most well-known ethnic groups in East Africa.
Beading is one of the oldest jewelry techniques in Africa. Previously chains were made from mussel shells, bones, seeds, snails and clay balls. Glass beads only reached East Africa in large numbers in the 1950s. The Maasai quickly developed their own identity in terms of design, creation and use of beaded jewelry. The elaborately designed pieces accompany their wearers through all phases of life and have their own symbolic meaning, representing the important cornerstones of Maasai culture - strength, tradition, beauty, marriage, warriorship. In many regions, the jewelry marks the transition to a different phase of life, such as marriage or the transition from childhood to puberty. Maasai jewelry carries a strong meaning, as it hides stories that correspond to a deeply rooted African context.
In many regions where tourism is prevalent, beadwork has become an important source of income for many individuals and communities. For instance, in places like Lake Natron in Tanzania, beadwork has become an essential part of the local Maasai community's economy. The process of making beadwork involves stringing beads together using a needle and thread or wire. It can be a straightforward process or very complex, depending on the designs and patterns. Besides the famous necklaces beadwork is also used to create bracelets, earrings, belts, bags, and home decor.
Braid Fund
Within Engishon Emaa Foundation, our arts and culture efforts include training local Maasai communities to preserve their cultural practices while encouraging innovation. In addition, we support the production of cultural artifacts within the community to generate income.
The aim of this project is to support marginalized groups who face special challenges in the pearl and jewelry business. One such group are widows who face great opression after the loss of their husbands.
Widows in Maasai society have no rights on owning property after the death of their partner. Property and possessions are restricted to men, either the son of the deceased or his brother if the son is immature. As a result, widows become destitute and depend on others for survival. Their hopes and dreams are destroyed. Exposed to various forms of suffering, often including harassment and violence, widows end up living in poverty even though their husbands had the means to support themselves.
It is vital to help these widows achieve the same standard of living as other families and restore their fundamental human rights. The focus of our efforts in this project is therefore on supporting divorced people and people without a partner (widows and widowers) in achieving economic independence and stability. The purpose of the BRAID FUND is to support those who wish to delve into beadwork but are unable to start their own business for the above mentioned reasons. We provide them with the necessary resources to produce high-quality pearl jewelry and commodities for the market, train them in creativity and innovation, and encourage them to develop their marketing skills to sell their products effectively.
The location for the planned project will be the municipality of Engare Sero with around 8,000 inhabitants. The main beneficiaries of this project are women and young people who want to make a living in the pearl business. Of course, men are also welcome.
By providing training to improve their craft skills and sharing learnings with similar businesses, we hope to increase the value of arts and culture in our community. As the project progresses, exhibitions, visits to trade fairs and the development of further sales opportunities are to be added.
Pearl jewelery and beadwork are significant sources of income for women. Thus, tourists and visitors who buy the jewelery directly on site at Engare Sero / Lake Natron support our women and local communities!