CSocD55 Photo Exhibition – Indigenous

Maka Emali – from aid to trade: At 40-years old, Grace is a Grandmother making colourful beaded belts to sell at Emali, Kenya, which is home to the Maasai, who are known for their elaborate beaded jewellery, and Kamba people who produce colourful baskets and carvings. Many in the impoverished rural township survive on farming alone but are at the mercy of the climate. With droughts becoming ever more frequent there is a desperate need for alternative sources of income. Traditional crafts were at risk of being lost, as the next generation were not interested and the crafts were only sold amongst the community. Working on behalf of ChildFund, New Zealand artist Chris Delany carried out an inventory of the crafts and saw the business potential in creating much-needed income for families. With financial support from the New Zealand government’s Aid Programme, and Chris’s expertise ChildFund helped provide the additional resources, tools and business training needed so that local artisans could produce the type of quality products that are sought after by tourists and boutiques. The business venture is named MaKa Emali (after the Masaai and Kamba) with 30 weavers, 60 bead artisans and 14 carvers. The venture is going from strength to strength adding other channels to sell its wares. Photo by Jake Lyell | Location: Emali, Kenya