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