I Called Her "Mamma"

Happy Mothers day. This is a day to celebrate the role of women and motherhood.

I lost my mum sometime ago but spiritually we are still connected and I feel she is watching over me every single day.

Do I appreciate her more this day than I do any other day? No I don't but all the hype surrounding Mothers Day has given me the opportunity to remember that I am also a mother as well as remembering my mum (mamma).

I dedicate this piece of art, the Makonde Breast to all Mammas out there. This is another one of my favourite pieces of African art. I love its shape and its meaning.

This special body mask originates from the Makonde people from southern Tanzania and represents a young pregnant woman (amwali ndembo). It is used during the initiation ceremony of adolescent boys and girls and forms part of a costume of a male dancer who wears a matching female mask to protect his identify. Together with a male mask figure, he performs a mesmerizing dance that includes the dramatisation of the burdens of pregnancy and the agonies of childbirth.

This piece is a constant reminder to me, of the miraculous process that goes on inside that 'bump' and the joys of motherhood.

Happy Mammas Day!

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.