Elephant - Together with the Tulibawanguzi W.A. I developed a collection mats where Ugandan traditions meets the European market. The process started when we discussed Ugandan- VS. European aesthetics. This obviously made an impression, because next meeting a member brought up the memory of her old grandfather sitting on a hide VS. her parents sitting on a palm leaf mat. So we started ideating on exactly those contrasts, with the aim to develop a playful hybrid proudly combining both cultural traditions.
Giraffe - Because Uganda unfortunately have a strong culture of copying & many artisans have low self esteem, I believe this will make an important statement as well as a good opportunity to enter the somehow more minimalistic European homes. Additionally market research show that the fair trade market could need some alternatives on childrens products, which resulted in the mats to sit on or hang on the wall for decoration.
Giraffe - After 9 months & countless workshops, the collection started to finalize. The mats will be slightly variable in pattern, but standards in technique, shape & size are applied to last also after my departure. The elephant, zebra & giraffe were accomplished in the end of May 08 & is sold through NAWOUs web page :
http://www.nawouganda.org/
Zebra - Perfect for children to sit on while playing or hang on the wall for decoration
Zebra
Collection as a whole
The pets in the neighborhood got curious
gLike
Traditional mats VS hides