Tsheikuru, a small village north of Mwingi, Kenya, is a long journey from anywhere. There in the “bush” the Kamba ladies meet and weave the fibers of the baobab tree.

To learn more of the journey, visit www.exop.org and click on the 2007 newsletters.

 

The process from Baobab tree to beautiful basket is a long one. First the bark is cut from the tree in large rectangles. It is carried back to the shade at home where small strips are peeled off the tough exterior bark. 

 

The bark is then chewed. At first it is as dry as the dust, absorbing every drop of saliva. Persevering through dry mouth, the saliva begins to respond and soon the hard dry bark is dripping and separating into fibers. 

 

Next the fibers are pulled and lengthened to prepare for the cordage process. Holding the fibers tightly in one hand against the flat of the thigh, the fibers are rolled against each other to form a thin firm thread. Fibers are added to the end to be twisted in until long strips of cordage are rolled into balls. Often the cream colored fibers are dyed with soot from the fire, roots, barks or berries. 

 

Once enough Baobab bark has been prepared the weaving begins. 

 

The baskets are woven in several ways but most often using a spiral weave. Finally after about 5 weeks, the baskets are finished off.

 

As the ladies are very distant from any market, and often need further finishing. They are sold to another for processing and delivery to the market. 

 

For us, it is Simon Kibandi.