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.,
1 comment:
Like you my peace was disturbed by the news that a British company is trying to steal an African design and rob the rightful owners of their income. The refusal to give back Artifacts that clearly belong in their place of origin is an ongoing example of this kind of mentality. On the one hand we have this disrespect and disregard for African art, artifacts and culture and on the other we have a beautiful African inspired hotel. Peace would be well on the road to restoration if we had less of the former and a lot more of the latter!
Susan
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