Kenya is endowed with a rich plant genetic resource base that is a source of food, fuel, medicine, household implements, and other products such as carvings. The wood carving industry was borne out of the carving traditions of the Makonde of Tanzania and Mozambique and became established in Kenya in the early 1920s (Elkan, 1958). It serves as a significant source of income for many people with an estimated 50, 000 wood carvers in Kenya, working either independently or in cooperatives.
Akamba handicraft is one of the largest wood carvings industries in Kenya, where you will find approximately 5000 people all working with hands to produce the beautiful African carvings. Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society is a Kenyan organization that produces high-quality animal, functional and decorative carvings, masks and ornaments, human sculptures, and customized goods. It was started in 1963 by about 300 carvers, since then, it has grown to a membership of about 2,785, with carving skills that are well developed and specialized. For years, sales of the carvings were good though dependent on tourists and locals when they visit the Co-operative Society occupying an area of about nine acres with basic structures.
Visit the Society, one can see the carvings being worked on from start to finish; selection of the best log for a particular design, rough carving, detailing, smoothening, decorating, and finishing. Seeing the artists and carvers at work on a stunning variety of wood carvings depicting everything from animals to human society. Showcasing a deep talent for wood carving, the Akamba Wood Carvers market allows anyone to get an outstanding decoration item for a good price.
There has been a growth of the handicraft market that presents opportunities for the artisans to introduce handmade carvings with contemporary styling. The Akamba artisans have adapted traditional designs and skills to complement the broad offerings of the expanding demand. Crafts With Meaning has collaborated with the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society to promote sustainable social and economic development by providing access to information, market, and compliance with buyers’ requirements through our online platform. Crafts With Meaning advise on the design and style in trend, fair working practices, creative innovations, value addition, quality management, presentation, and handle logistics to ensure timely delivery of the products to the buyers.
Source: craftswithmeaning.org
