Arts & Crafts centre The Maasai Brand

Partners:

Friends of Conservation (FOC) & Basecamp Explorer


Background:
The Maasai have a rich heritage in Arts and Crafts, most notably in beadwork, where many of their traditional ceremonies and religious beliefs are expressed in the colours and patterns of the beadwork. In recent times this has been exploited by other tribes who produce beadwork for the tourist industry, so much so that the Maasai are out produced and are in the position where they regularly buy goods from these groups to sell in their local areas.

Aims:

Co-operative groups meeting, FOC head quarters Talek

To promote cultural heritage and empower disadvantaged groups in the Talek region of the Maasai Mara

To set and run the project according to fair trade agreement principles, ensuring that the craftsperson receives a minimum of 75% of the sale price

To reintroduce traditional designs and materials that the Maasai no longer use, combined with natural and waste materials with a high quality finish that appeals to a western market

To train and build capacity into the Maasai women to develop high quality handicraft

To create a sustainable business generating income based on fair trade principles

Results:

The project training phase started in 2003. Groups from the local area are involved. Five women’s groups are developing techniques for improved quality beadwork and leatherwork, and two men’s groups are being trained in leatherwork totalling 200 participants of which 80 are currently being trained. Training has been performed since September 2003. Products like bracelets, belts, leather bags, necklaces have been designed. The products are sold under the name The Maasai Brand . The project has received a number of orders of bracelets and belts to Sweden and Norway.

The way forward

We aim to:

- develop marketing tools; a leaflet and a homepage
- develop branding tools; a logo and label of The Maasai Brand
- develop new designs and products appealing to a Western market
- continue and intensify training of all groups
- market The Maasai Brand products on travel fairs and lectures in Kenya as well as abroad

It is possible to take an active part and sponsor Basecamp Maasai Arts & Crafts Centre.
For further info contact us on: lars@basecampexplorer.com