Culture from her sales, Joyce has educated her children to college level. Her youngest has been sitting his O-level exams. Like Joyce, John Kinyua ekes a livelihood from selling unique wood carvings. His items stand out thanks to their bold, black finish, which means they can fit into any home or office setting. John, who designs his own wares, has been in the business since 1994 and found a stall at The Village Market in 2000. With the proceeds from his sales, John has built a house in his rural home town of Nyeri and another in Kitengela, where he lives. His elder sons have followed him into the curio business, while his daughter has just graduated from university with a degree in business administration.
Beautiful
Jackline Rimuri’s bright wraps
to the bus stop. It takes her up to three
wrap known as a leso. She is recognised
Also doubling as a trader and designer
journeys by matatu to reach the Friday
internationally and even sells her wares at
is Helen Enoleningwetoi, one of the rare
Maasai Market. She may not have had
the annual Dubai Global Village, an event
Maasai who form the market. Helen’s
a chance to go to school, but Helen is a
that sees her leave Kenya for six months
beaded jewellery is a beautiful form
proud mother of eight children whom
beginning in October. She has three children
of art, a talent she acquired from her
she has educated through her beadwork.
who have attended Makerere, Nairobi and
mother. To see her jewellery in finished
She is an even prouder grandmother of
Kenyatta universities respectively.
form is one thing – to watch her while
four grandchildren. Yet her lean figure,
she goes about the beadwork is another.
smooth facial features and dexterity with
Her skill in forming intricate patterns
tiny beads do not give away her age.
Amazement What most people fail to realise – but
while seated on a mat is a sight to behold, making her a darling to tourists
Jackline Rimuri is equally an inspiration.
which The Village Market Management
who often take pictures of her at work.
She has been in the business since 1995
understands – is that the Friday Maasai
Helen’s journey to The Village Market
selling paintings, beaded jewellery,
Market is not just a place where traders
begins with a 15 km walk from home
earrings, T-shirts and the coastal inspired
can make a livelihood. It’s about displaying African culture with pride. It is the amazement in seeing a cow’s horn turned into a beautiful bangle; or a banana stalk made into an African-inspired Christmas tree; or a piece of soapstone carved into a chessboard complete with chess pieces. Then there are the little white angels made from sisal and the pink flamingos carved from wood. The local and international media have found the Maasai Market well worth covering thanks to its economic, social and cultural impact – a fact that The Village Market is proud to be associated with.
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A Publication of The Village Market // December 2012 - January 2013