VISION FOR COMMUNITY

 Traditional Swahili Woodcarving Art is a dying craft in the East African Coast, from where it was seeded centuries ago. In Lamu Island, this is an art that is losing its essence, with automation in woodworking and also people preferring more modern jobs, in place of the traditional ways of their forefathers. This, forms the background of what I am aiming to achieve, which is, to empower willing locals to embrace this beautiful craft again.

Woodcarving takes patience to nurture and even longer, to establish oneself. This is a major hindrace, due to our propensity towards immediate gratification. Having walked this journey myself, I know what it entails and the sacrifices required, to lead someone else towards proficiency in working this trade. Woodcarving is a deeply enriching practice and everyone is welcome to learn.

 However, even if someone is aware of the patience, perserverance and practice time required - they encounter the reality. The reality that woodcarving teachers and tools are hard to come by in this part of the world. This scarcity remains the biggest stumbling block to the starting woodcarving apprentice. For now, to obtain good tools, one is required to import them from western countries. This cost and process of getting them, is out of reach for the majority of the population.

I took the initiative of working with a local blacksmith here in Lamu, to forge simple yet effective woodcarving tools. Then, I individually make these forged metals into working chisels suitable for woodcarving. 

I appreciate you sharing in my vision to spark the fire of creating with wood to local people and also to aid the journey of the budding woodcarver with effective tools. Your donation is highly valued. Thank you!

Please donate here