Happy Kwanzaa - Kuumba (Creativity)

On this sixth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Kuumba(Creativity). To do as much as we can, in whatever way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than it was when we inherited it.

I struggle with life's social injustices and sufferings. I often think "what can I do to make things that little bit better." The fact is with a little bit of creativity we can all do our bit to make a difference to someone's life, whether at work or in our personal lives.

Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Kwanzaa - Nia (Purpose)

On this fifth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Nia(Purpose). To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community; to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

I believe we all have a purpose in life. I believe the purpose of Kwanzaa is to make us think, not only about ourselves and our family but also about the community. To think about who we are, where we are and what the future holds. I will never be rich, not in the financial sense of the word but I do feel I am so much richer through my connection with my family, friends and the great many people I have met along the way. I will continue to strive to be the best I can be whilst promoting cultural awareness and practices within the community.

Happy kwanzaa - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

On this fourth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics. Let us strengthen our resolve to build and maintain our own shops, stores and other business and to profit from them together.

We believe in the life-affirming necessity of work. But, this should be a place where you can culminate economic practices that demonstrate dignity, respect, fairness, balance, harmony and an opportunity for individuals to grow together.

Happy Kwanzaa - Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)

On this third day of Kwanzaa we celebrate the principle Ujima (collective work and responsibility). To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and solve them together.

I can remember when I first came to this country as a little girl, families and friends used to help each other move house, look after each other's children, cook, wash and clean the home if you were ill. Friends and family would rally around and make sure you were looked after. To me this was the spirit of Ujima.

Somehow as a community we have lost this community bond and now we (if you are lucky) make do with a phone call, a text or an e-mail.

Today I will take basic steps to re-connect with family, friends and others so we can start again to build a caring community.

In Celebration of Kwanzaa - Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

On this second day of Kwanzaa, the principle Kujichagulia (Self-determination) is celebrated. This is my favourite principle in the Nguzo Saba. I love the word and it's pronounciation (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah). You need determination just to pronounce it correctly! Most of all, I love it's meaning as it reflects what I strive to achieve and be.

Kujichagulia to me, means not being afraid to stand for what I believe in. Being true to myself and to others. Define for myself, speak for myself and caring for myself in order to care for others.

Today I will think about what I want from my life, for my family and for the community and strive to make it happen.

Today I will continue to share my culture and spirituality with others through my love of African art.

Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Kwanzaa - Umoja (Unity)

The season of Kwanzaa is here once again. Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate it.

Kwanzaa is a African-centred 7-day celebration which was developed by Dr Maulana Karenga in 1966. The aim of Kwanzaa is to reconnect Africans throughout the diaspora to their culture and reinforce the importance of family, community and unity. Kwanzaa is celebrated from 26 December to 1 January and is derived from an East African phrase in Swahili meaning 'the first fruits': matunde y kwanza.

There are seven basic and meaningful principles which are linked to Kwanzaa called the Nguzo Saba - Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Each day of Kwanzaa celebrates one of the guiding principles. These seven principles should be practiced throughout the year.

Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of Africans throughout the African diaspora. However, it is much more popular in America than it is in Europe but it is catching on here.

The traditional way of celebrating Kwanzaa is by decorating a table with the following seven basic symbols - the first one being Mkeka (a mat) which represents African history and the foundation we need to build. The following six symbols are placed on the Mkeka or next to it; Mazao (the crops) which represents African harvest celebrations and plentiful fruits and vegetables; Kinara (a candle holder) which is symbolic of African ancestors; Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) which represents the seven principles which we should strive to live by; Muhindi (ears of corn) symbolises our children; Kikombe cha umoja (the unity cup) symbolic of the principle and practice of unity and Zawadi (gifts) these are normally hand-made.

In addition to the symbols don't forget to include African art in your decoration.

There is currently a debate going on about Kwanzaa and it's meaning and whether we should be celebrating at this time of year or not. Our answer to that is we all have choices, if it is something that you feel you can buy into and celebrate go ahead, if not leave it well alone. Simple.

These principles are ones that can apply to all our everyday lives. Today is the principle Umoja which means to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Today I am grateful for the relationships that I have with my family and friends. But, I am also very grateful for the many wonderful people that I have come into contact with over time. Today I am responsible for all those I have met and all those I am still to meet.

Happy Kwanzaa.

Where Africa Comes Alive

Africa is too often ignored, misunderstood and feared but 'The Africa Channel' Where Africa Comes Alive is putting a stop to that. This has got to be our favourite African channel. There is not an awful lot of programmes to choose from, but what is on offer is very professional and entertaining. To us, it's a start and it puts Africa on the global map as being progressive, culturally diverse and exciting.

One of our favourite programmes is "Studio 53" a magazine show depicting the rich and the beautiful. The number '53' represents the 53 countries in the African continent. I also love 'Africa within' although that appears to centre more around South Africa. In both shows we can indulge in our passion and view African art to our hearts' content.

The Africa Channel gives you a perspective on what it's like to be an African. The Africa channel where Africa really does come alive.....we love it!

Beeping - A new style of African art on the market!

I have just read both an interesting and amusing article on the "African art of beeping". Apparently, when mobile phone users in Africa are low on credit or more likely low on cash, they resort to "beeping" or "flashing" someone and then hanging up before they answer so hopefully the person receiving the call will call them back. The article states that 30 per cent of the calls are just split second flashes. The mobile companies are being swamped by these split second calls and are busting their brain cells trying to figure out how they can make some money out of this.

Oh, I do feel sorry for these companies! Africa has become one of the fastest growing markets for mobile phones and pre-paid accounts dominate the market. Did it not occur to mobile operators when they unleashed those "I can't do without" items on these poor people, that this would be a possibility? In their greed to make money, I think not.

Do you know, just lately I have been getting lots of missed calls on my mobile phone from people I know. I used to think it was the rubbish network that I am on. However, now I know what the real problem is and none of them live in Africa!

A love affair with the African Textile - Kuba Cloth

I feel excited as we have just taken delivery of a number of kuba cloths made by the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in Central Africa. Woven by men and embroidered by women these cloths are generally used for ceremonial purposes.

Kuba cloth is woven from raffia palm leaves and were traditionally used for dance skirts by both men and women. The basic kuba weaving unit, an undecorated square of plain cloth, the mbal was also used as a form of currency in the DRC.

I am a great fan of Kuba cloth; in fact I love Kuba cloth. I think it is one of the most beautiful, regal and amazing textiles I have ever come across. I am not the only one that have been captivated by these cloths, renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Paul Klee were also fascinated by their beauty and reflected the Kuba cloths distinctive geometric and zigzag patterns in their artwork.

Kuba cloth has a wide appeal and is available in many shops throughout the United States and Europe. I have certainly seen it for sale in the form of cushions and re-upholstered furniture in large retail stores, such as House of Fraser and featured in a number of home décor magazines such as Elle Décor and Living Etc. It has also featured in popular TV shows such as My Wife and Kids, All of us, Frasier and Law and Order. I have to say, whenever we go into a high street shop and see genuine Kuba cloth and other African art it makes us feel happy as it brings the beauty of Africa art and design to a wider audience.

Kuba cloth is as beautiful as it is delicate. Although raffia cloth is generally strong, you will need to treat it with care. Think of it as a long lasting relationship that you would like to preserve. Treat it with respect and it will repond well.

If you are looking for fabric to beautify your home or your surroundings then you will find it in the elegant and timeless Kuba cloth.

See Décor tips on www.kafele.co.uk for ideas on using Kuba cloth.

Where has the African sun gone?

I am sorry that I haven't spoken to you for a while. The summer months haven't worked out as well as they should have and instead of feeling perky, I feel a little bit under the weather. We had plans to spend a lot of time outdoors, in our little African art retreat. But as you know, rain and more rain put a stop to that! When we did have a few sunny days, it was such a shock to the system. By the time I recovered, those sunny days had passed me by.

Our daughter is now preparing to return to school and that is a stark reminder that summer is coming to an end and those Autumn months will soon be here.

On a brighter note, we managed to visit an African art exhibition in London. In fact, it was part of a wonderful culturally inspiring week-end we spent with friends. The exhibition itself was pretty small but it was enough to keep us occupied for nearly 3 hours! You see, when we start looking at African art it is serious business and nothing gets past our beady eyes!

4 things I know about Oprah Winfrey

I am not sure that I have clear or sound views on Opray Winfrey; after all I don't know her. My views can only be based on what the media has said about her and my gut instincts. But, I am clear about 4 things and that is - she has done a lot of good for others, she is very rich, she is an influential woman and she promotes African art.

Opray is now planning to open a new store in Chicago, near to her Harpo Studios, to sell her own merchandise as well as African baskets and art.

I am sure this will be a major tourist attraction but for me it provides another outlet to promote the beauty of African art, give a much needed boost to the African art trade and give recognition and praise to the very talented and skilled artisans who create them.

It also links in with The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, located in the town of Henley-on-Klip just south of Johannesburg, which has been lavishly decorated with African art. She also plans to open a second African school, this one will cater for both boys and girls, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal. Lets hope the decor includes African art.

An African New Year

Tomorrow, June 21st marks this year's summer soltice. It is a celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of the summer.

The summer solstice means we are 4 minutes short of 15 hours of daylight. What are you going to do with those extra hours of daylight? Lets hope tommorrow is a lovely sunny day so we can use those extra hours to chill out and relax and be happy.

In Kemet (Ancient Egypt), summer soltice was the most important day of the year. The sun would be at its most powerful and the nile river would begin to rise. The people of Kemet held special ceremonies to honour the Goddesss Aset, who was said to be mourning for her dead husband Asar and that her tears caused the Nile to overflow. An Accurate prediction of the floods was such an important event for the people of Kemet, that the appearance of the star Sirius, which occurs around the time of the summer soltice, was seen as the beginning of the Egyptian New Year.

It is said that the summer soltice is a time to be happy. It is a time to get rid of the things you no longer want or causes chaos in your life. Tomorrow, celebrate being happy.

The Day of the African Child

Saturday, 16 June 2007, celebrated the Day of the African Child. Apparently, this day has been celebrated every year since 1991 and I am afraid to say, I have only just found out about it.

The Day of the African Child was first initiated by the organisation of African Unity. The day is in honour of the memory and courage of thousands of Black school children in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976, who took to the streets to protest the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. During those two weeks of protest, over one 100 young boys and girls were killed and more than 1,000 injured.

Can anyone remember that day? I can. It's one of those painful and ugly memories that you bury somewhere deep inside until......

Each year the day is associated with a different message. This year UNICEF is drawing attention to the issue of Child trafficking.

I know this day has passed but it is never too late to learn something new or to get involved.

If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much.

- Marian Wright Edelman

Our best seeds and our dearest fields - those are our children

- Cheikh Hamidou Kane

An African Oasis

Bring the indoors, outdoors by creating your own tropical oasis in your garden. Use large sculptural African pieces and African-inspired furniture and accessories, such as cushions and textiles to complement tropical plants, flowers and foliage. Here's how:

Flooring - choose your flooring such as decking, gravel, grass or paving, all can look equally good. But, if you are looking to splash out and lay new decking, choose a hardwood like Iroko, which is made in Africa and looks stunning when laid.

Plants - This is the challenging bit, choosing plants and flowers that make you feel you are somewhere tropical. But, there is a lot of help at hand. Visit reputable garden centres and surf the web to get advice about choosing tropical plants for your garden. Remember, not all tropical plants can survive our winter months.
If, you don't already have an established garden, introduce mature plants into the area. Bamboo, grasses (green and black) ferns, yuccas's, cordylines, banana and cactus plants will all help to create a lush oasis and tropical feel.

Planters - place your plants into the many beautiful planters available from garden centres or large retail stores.

Furniture and accessories - create a stylish African-inspired outdoor space with bright wicker tables and stools. Or if you would like a more natural look there are many beautiful hardwood benches and loungers to choose from. Or, even better, use your own authentic pieces of African furniture but don't forget to take them indoors once you have finished with them.

Finally - accessorise with brightly coloured cushions, textiles and parasols. And, don't forget the lighting a perfect finish to your tropical oasis.

SPOTLIGHT ON: HIV/AIDS

May 14th to 20th was Christian Aid week. During that week we saw an interview with one of its ambassadors - R&B star Lemar.

He was talking about this recent trip to Uganda and Ethiopia, the effects on the children of the ongoing civil war in Uganda and the huge problem of HIV and AIDS, including the many children that have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

HIV/AIDS in Africa is a modern day catastrophe - arguably a current holocaust. Over 20 Million African people have already died, 28 million are HIV-positive, over 5000 die everyday. Contrary to popular belief, it is not exclusively an affliction of the poor. It affects artists and aristocrats alike. It particularly flourishes where traditional tribal loyalties have broken down.

Southern Africa is most heavily affected - countries like South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe - but other African regions don't escape. West Africa - countries like Cameroon, Cote d' Ivoire and Gabon have experienced creeping increases in infection rates. Arcoss Africa, the majority of the people living with HIV/AIDS are between the ages of 15 and 49.

It made us think again about what it is that we need to do to help alleviate the poverty and distress caused by this preventable and treatable disease. In all honesty, the problem is so huge, we have wondered both where to start and what impact we could possibly make. However, one message came through again and again when we looked into things - the situation is tragic but not hopeless.

We can help financially support prevention campaigns and the provision of treatment and care. Ideally financial support should target "grassroots" local organisations. (We thought it best not to recommend ones)

Kafele will be donating money to support "grassroots" individual groups and organisations fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. In addition, we would like to do more by donating toiletries and medical supplies to an orphanage or hospital/clinic in one or two of the African countries.

We will keep you infomed of our progress with these matters either through the website, blog or our newsletter.

Love Africa, its art and its people.

African-Inspired High-Rise Living

Has anyone heard of The Kalahari, a luxury "green" condo currently under construction on Harlem's 116th street? The exterior of the building is painted with a design from the Ndebele tribe of South Africa whilst inside the apartments boasts recycled bamboo floors and a solor heating system.

I have been following this project and I have got to say that I think it's a positive idea. If the developer's thinking is partly about instilling pride and giving the local community a sense of their heritage, I am all for it. In addition, it is also educating local people about the "green" agenda as this will undoubtly play an important role in the future way we live our lives.

If any developers in the UK are reading this, it wouldn't be a bad idea to develop something like this here in the UK.

To make the building even more authentic, I hope they don't forget to decorate it with African Art!

How can this be?

Kikoi - a brightly coloured cotton fabric from East Africa that is traditionally worn by men and women. Popular in western countries it is commonly used for making bags, hats, throws, curtains and rugs.


I know that I have said, this is a place to relax, feel at peace and explore the mystery and beauty of African art. And it is, but sometimes, something comes along and disturbs that sense of peace and relaxation.

I have recently come across an article that has disturbed my peaceful habitat. Apparently, Kenyan activists are currently fighting to retain the popular kikoi fabric design which is currently at risk of being patented by Kikoy Company UK, a British company. The British company has applied for registration as the sole trademark owner of kikoi.

If permission is granted to Kikoy, it will mean that they will have sole rights over production, marketing, sale and export of Kikoi produced items. It will also mean a loss of income to people in that region.

This is a part of Kenyans traditional culture and heritage, why does anyone think they have the right to steal something that clearly does not belong to them.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,

A service of love

Kipoko Mask
Originates from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and symbolises the power of the ancestors.

Many African art pieces are associated with strong moral values which are relevant to our every day lives. Boys and girls during initiation ceremonies are taught the proper ways to relate to each other in relationships and the skills needed to look after and support their families.

African art is charged with a spirituality that is waiting to be unleashed by those that are receptive to its powers. It has the power to convey feelings and messages. Next time you buy a piece of African art, ask yourself why am I drawn to this particular piece? Why does it look the way it does? what would it have been used for? Why was it made? Do I like the way it looks? One of the key things for me is, how does it make me feel? Learning about a particular piece of African art that you are drawn to will give you a deeper understanding of the piece and teaches you the best way of creating balance and harmony in your every-day life.

If you are in a job that you don't like or enjoy, it is like a slow poison being released into your being. You are on the way to a slow but painful death. You need to find that something that fills you with energy, gives you a deep connection and stimulates your being.

I love that I am doing something that I love and that I can offer this back to my customers as a service of love.

Art makes visible the need for change and social transformation. Art is functional, collective, and committed.

- Manthia Diawara

African art is my calling, what is yours?

Lega Statue
These figures are usually owned by high-level members of the Bwami society. Each piece of lega art has a specific meaning and function and is used only by the initiated. These lega statues are referred to as sakimatwematwe (Many-Heads). The story goes that an elephant hunter crosses a river and sees an elephant on the other bank, he goes back to get help from the other hunters but when he returns sees that the elephant has already been killed by the others. In other words, the story shows the importance of being able to see in all directions and to be wise and fair-minded.



Sometimes when we believe so much in what we do, it's hard to find time for our loved ones or for ourselves. We all know how important our families are and also our own health and wellbeing. So, why do we find it so hard to dedicate quality time to our families and ourselves in the same way we do to our jobs and others.

It is such a beautiful and great thing to do, when we dedicate our lives to others and give them our time and energy. We make those others feel loved and cared for. But, how often do we make our loved ones feel just as loved and just as cared for? How often do we take time out to appreciate ourselves?

For the past month, I know that I have seriously concentrated on this piece of machine (my computer). "I have a deadline line to meet, we are re-designing the website and everything has got to be right", I kept telling myself and Jed. I never stopped to ask "at whose expense, have you got to meet those deadlines"? Who will pay the price for me keeping to that deadline? In my case, it was my family and myself. Now that the deadline has passed and I want to spend quality time with my family, I am much too tired to enjoy it. And, I have to wait for Jed to catch up and get off his treadmill!

In Africa the family is very important and we all know the future of our families lies in our children. It therefore, goes without saying that we need to pay special attention in the raising and teachings of our children. If we are to pay the price of feeling tired and worn out then let it be because we have dedicated quality time and energy to our families and loved ones and those others who really need it. Love and appreciate the people in your life while they are around and make sure you don't take them for granted.

Is it a coincidence that since I started writing this article, I have learned that both a customer and a supplier have been unwell? Work-life balance is very difficult for us to achieve. But, if we don't strive to achieve it, we are on our way to a slow death. We can all achieve great things but only when what we do nourishes and feeds our souls. If what we do in our day jobs doesn't live up to that, then find something that you love to create that balance.

I love what I am doing right now in my life. As you know, African art is my passion, it is my calling. Apart from the practicalities of running this business, I really like the opportunity of being able to communicate with people, whether they're customers or not. This is new to me and something that I have learned about myself since doing this business. This aspect, further nurtures my soul. I never knew I had it in me. I am three quarters of the way to surrendering to my calling. How near are you to yours?

In tribal life, one is forced to slow down, to experience the now and commune with the earth and nature. Patience is a must; no one seems to understand the meaning of "hurry up."

- Sobonfu Some

Life, Death, Life after Death?

This piece of art is produced by the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and is called the "Tree of Life" or Ujamaa. It depicts the members of an extended family both past and present generations, supporting each other, around the family ancestor. Emphasing the importance of both unity and continuity.

Earlier today, a dear friend of mine's father passed away. Today, I feel sad and tearful. Sad for my friend, sad for myself. Tears for my friend and tears for myself. I hope this doesn't sound too selfish but that is honestly how I feel. Hearing about this death brings back all the anxieties and fears that I felt when my mother passed away. It makes me recall the death of other loved ones - my brother, my father-in-law, my friend - and all the other lives that you hear that have been lost.

I don't think that anyone can argue that death is not inevitable. We know that it will definitely happen to all of us one day. The exact time, the exact moment that it will happen, we can never tell. However, is that it? Is there life after death? Who prepares us for death? I used to find death so very frightening but I feel much calmer about it now. Why? I am not sure. Maybe it's about time. They say time is a great healer. Over time I have debated and reasoned with myself and others about the issue, so maybe time and being able to talk about it has helped me to come to terms with death.

My relationship with African art, I believe, has helped me with my view on death. In my deepest darkest moments it has filled me with peace. When I don't want to face the outside world, like today, I find solace and comfort in my arts. In African societies, art has been an important and effective tool in solving problems and overcoming adversity. It encompasses the entire cycle of life from birth, to initiation, through to death and the afterlife. Although removed from their African context and placed in my home, African art has been given a new lease of life. It is no longer an empty shell, it now has soul.

An important function of African art is to honour ancestors or family members that have passed away. In African society, even when a member of the family has died they still play an important role in family life and are recognised through rituals.

I believe the loved ones we have lost watch over us and participate in our everyday lives. We need to ensure in every way we can that they still play an important role in our everyday lives.

Thinking of you.

In Celebration of the Women of Africa

The Power comes from women. Even if a man reigns on the throne, one recognizes nevertheless the dignity of the woman as a source of power. It is from her that power emanated.
Banze Mukangala (a luba male office holder)

The 8th March is International Women's Day and although I already know this, I find myself sitting here thinking, a women's life is really tough! We have to be so many things to so many different people and we are expected to balance them perfectly and come out smiling at the other end. Well, I don't know about you but I am exhausted! I have decided that I want to be a man! and have his compartmentalised brain, that can only concentrate on one thing at a time rather than be a woman trying to deal with a multitude of things all at the same time.


When I was growing up, the women that I admired around me, were those that I considered to be very hardworking. They were leaders in their professions. My mother (like most mothers) for instance, was very talented. She was a brilliant chef, a nurse, a cleaner, an accountant, an advisor, a counsellor, a critical friend, a wise woman, and a wife. I admired her dearly and most of all I respected her strength of character.

When I look at the Zulu women of South Africa and the Luba women from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I share the same respect and admiration for them acknowledging the different circumstances, vulnerabilities and the roles they played within their respective societies.

Luba women were important members of their society. In Luba art women were held in high esteem, respected and honoured as spiritual magnates. Female representations were in an array of art forms in a wide variety of poses and contexts. They served as priestesses, political advisers, ambassadors, and also as wives and mothers. In addition to these roles, their bodies served as spirit vessels for deceased males;

Only the body of a woman is strong enough to hold a spirit as powerful as that of a king.

Ngeleka (a Luba male titleholder)

Need I say more?

Zulu women also play an important and crucial role within the nation of the Zulu people. These women are the backbone of the family. They undertake all aspects of domestic life as well as raise the children, look after the elderly and still make money for the family with their skilled artistry. In addition to this they often have to undertake hard manual labour, such as growing crops, looking after livestock and chopping and collecting firewood and water. They do all of this whilst their husbands simply go to work in the cities. Most Zulu women are not allowed to go to work, as it is the belief that a women’s place is in the home. However, this is gradually changing in South Africa and more and more women are going to work in the cities.

Zulu women are renowned nationally and internationally for their weaving of the fabulous beer baskets and bowls. With the help of charitable organisations Zulu women have taken their traditional art and turned it into a means of supplementing their incomes.

There we have it, two examples of the power of women. Did I hear someone say......who needs men?

One is not born beautiful, but rather becomes beautiful over the course of a lifetime.

Luba Proverb

Feeling Special for a Week

Today is a week since Valentine's Day. I had asked my customers to follow my recipe for an African themed Valentine's Date. I suggested they:

*Check out some African art at Kafele's;

*Share an intimate meal for 2;

*Watch a romantic African Film or play some romantic tunes. I had recommended
"Say Good-bye" by Howard Hewett. "What, who"? I hear you ask. It's ok, it's a beautiful ballad to wrap yourself in.

*And finally, I had asked for them to celebrate Valentine' Day for the whole week.
Don't you agree that one day is not enough to feel special?

Well, starting backwards. I certainly celebrated it for a week. Jed has been away this week in Belfast sharing his love with a group of young people. This is the longest period of time we have ever been apart. And, I have to say I missed him dearly. We phoned each other every day and expressed some of that love and miss you stuff (sloppy, I know). I also shared this love with my older daughter as she too was away from home.

I listened to Howard Hewitt - on my own (as Jed had gone by then). But ooh! did it sound sweet.

We ate an African/Caribbean meal for 3 at home (with our younger daughter).

We gave a piece of African art (Songye Mask) to a business associate. Simply because he is extremely helpful and such a nice guy.

Remember this is an African Art Retreat and we can do more or less what we like here.

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Week.

Spirit Spouses of the Otherworld

One of my favourite pieces of art is a "pair" of Baule figures. They are not really a pair even though one is male and the other is female. They are very beautifully carved and the meaning behind them I believe is kinda spooky but exciting.

The Baule are from Cote d' Ivoire and believe that the Otherworld (Blolo) exists parallel to our world and that the two are a reflection of one another. Blolo is the place where we were before we were born and where we return to after death. Therefore, every living person has an Otherworld family.

This I believe. To me it explains some of the feelings I get.

The most important to the Baule of all the Otherworld inhabitants are their spouses, the blolo bian (men) and the blolo bla (women). This is because of the power that these figures can exert in our world. The Baule believe that power and influence can be exerted from either world.

This I believe. Our spouses can take up a lot of our thinking time especially when there are disagreements. Did you ever stop to think, that there could be someone out there stirring things for you?

A Baule figure is usually commissioned when a person in this world is faced with a problem, often related to relationship issues (e.g. sexual problems with their partner or maybe problems with conceiving).

I have just had a thought! Maybe I could commission a diviner to replace Jed with Denzel! Now that is a thought!

A diviner is then consulted to determine whether the cause of the problem is related to one’s spiritual spouse. In response, the diviner may recommend that a figure representing the Otherworld spouse should be carved. The figure’s appearance is based upon images from the Otherworld that the person in this world experiences in dreams. The figure is then placed in the home after a ceremony has been performed.

This is the bit where I start saying this man is having an affair! (I use man but you can use what you like) I have always said if he is thinking about another woman he is being unfaithful. If he is dreaming about another woman he is being unfaithful!

The figure is then cleaned regularly and receives regular offerings. In addition, the person must also make skin contact with the figure as part of the cleaning ceremony to ensure a close bond is formed between the person in this world and the otherworld spouse. Through this relationship the problems are hopefully resolved as the otherworld spouse will be appeased and any future problems prevented.

That is it! What more proof do you need this calls for a divorce (in my case). I am definetly going to replace him with Denzel!

To the Baule people these figures are not pieces of art but an integral part of their belief system.

I know I have given a light- hearted take on this and I sincerely do not mean any disrespect. But, I do love this meaning. Do you see what I mean by spooky but exciting? I truly love and treasure these figures, they are simply gorgeous. Whilst I am thinking about it, I have to thank Jed. He fell in love with them first (aesthetically, that is), I fell in love with the meaning.

I would love to hear what you think about this article? Do you believe there is an Otherworld that exists parallel to this world?


[References: Vogel, Susan Miller 1997 African Art/Western Eyes. New Haven, Yale University press. Davis, Seth, Davidson College - Fall 2001]

African art stirs my soul

So many people have said to me that my eyes light up when I talk about African art. I am beginning to believe this now, as I feel lit up inside when I do speak about it. I am not sure why? Maybe it stimulates and excites me in a way that other mundane things doesn’t. In fact, that’s what it does. It makes me happy. There is no politics in African art, (ok, there is politics in just about everything) but you know what I mean. When I have a conversation with others and their faces appear blank as I go ranting on, it doesn’t matter this is something that I love and it gives me pleasure (selfish of me, I know). What I try to do. No! what I intend to do. No! that’s not right either. What I do when I have a discussion with others about African art is to communicate my passion and fascination with the subject. This is not shallow superficial talk but genuine talk this is who I am talk.

Now, that I have got that out of the way. I wanted to tell you why I have decided to do a BLOG. By the way, Jed doesn’t know what a BLOG is and I can have a little chuckle to myself about that. He is the one that’s supposedly up on technology not me. Anyway, why did I decide to do a blog. Well a couple of people that I know have suggested this to me. I was told it would be one way for me to talk about African art in a chatty informal and heartfelt way.

To be truthful, I avoided doing one at first because I thought this is going to be hard work and what do I have to say that would be of interest to anyone. I am not an expert. I don’t know the arts inside out. To be honest, I read so much about the different pieces, the country of origin and the usages that I get confused on occasions. But hey! When I get it wrong I feel no way about admitting it. It doesn’t matter, as I am not trying to impress anyone.

African art as therapy
A friend of ours came to visit us and his parting remarks were “…your home is very peaceful, you have a wonderful family, you are very lucky.”

And, you know something, I am not one for accepting compliments very well ( I am learning) but you know, what he said is true. I am lucky. The African arts in our home create a real sense of peace. I am convinced that the peace and tranquillity that wraps itself up like an old familiar cuddly blanket around our home emanates from these beautiful pieces of art. Good family and friends enhance this sense of tranquillity and harmony.

Through these pages, I would like to somehow share that sense of peace and tranquility with you. I want to create an African retreat that you can escape to, relax and feel at peace.

My advice to anyone who is feeling stressed or unhappy is to find something or someone preferably a combination of the two to bring you that sense of peace. Try a piece of art. Learn about its origin and significance. I promise you, it will amaze you and learning something new and different is very fulfilling, amazingly empowering and more importantly, very rewarding.