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When you think of Africa, what do you think of? Do you think of wild animals, grassy plains, colorful fabrics, tribal dancing, and giant baobab trees? Well, then you are thinking of Kenya. Kenya has savannahs, mountains, coastline, and lakelands. It is also home to wild animals such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and the African lion.
Visitors can go on safaris to view these beautiful lands and witness these animals in action, just remember to stay inside your vehicle! After the safari, you may want to check out the market, and see what types of arts and crafts Kenyan artisans have to offer.
Let’s take a closer look and talk about what you’ll expect to find for arts and crafts in Kenya, and to learn more about the artisans who make them.
Image by Nicola Stockton from Pixabay
Paintings. Kenyan paintings focus on the everyday life and culture of its people. The use of vibrant colors is synonymous with most Kenyan artwork, and can be seen throughout marketplaces across the country.
Masks. Masks are used in tribal rituals to pay tribute to the tribes’ primitive ancestors. Masks are adorned with hair and jewelry to communicate great honor to those who have passed. Masks worn in these ceremonies often help to tell a story as well, and can represent gods, animals, spirits, and the ancestors themselves.
Woodcarvings. Different ethnic groups practice wood carving to produce figurines and statues that depict animals, people, masks, scenes of nature, and other ornate designs and patterns. Woodcarving is also used to make bowls, utensils, cups, and other everyday objects.
Soapstone Carvings. Soapstone is primarily found in western Kenya, and can be easily carved. A few different ethnic groups in Kenya practice soapstone carving. The stone is carved with a knife or other sharp tool to make figurines or other objects. All of the carving is done by hand, when they are finished, they are polished and dyed with different colors.
Image by Alex Strachan from Pixabay
Jewelry. Beaded bracelets and necklaces are a popular item found in marketplaces throughout the country. The beaded jewelry is handmade by women from the Masaai people of Kenya.
Musical Instruments. Wooden drums covered with an animal hide are a popular item found in most Kenyan marketplaces, and used in tribal dances and ceremonies.
Body Art. In Kenya, the practice of using henna ink has become a popular method to decorate the body. Henna ink is temporary and will disappear from the skin after a week or so. If you are interested in body art, you can visit a henna tattoo artist at most of the marketplaces throughout the country.
Image by Alex Strachan from Pixabay
Depending on which ethnic group they grew up in, artisans will learn techniques and methods of their craft from their elders. This knowledge is typically passed down from generation to generation, and the methods tend not to change, even with more modern technology available. If you are purchasing arts and crafts from Kenya, you can be rest assured that the product you are getting is an authentic piece made by a Kenyan artisan.
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