KENYA

Kenya has a population of 47 million. With a large population there are often contrasts from it landscape to its social and economic inequalities. Ten by Three aims to create a sustainable way to achieve more. In Kenya, we have weavers and stone carvers. The weavers produce yarn and sisal products whereas, the stone carvers  use a file and a chisel to create beautiful designs. Our products identify with the landscape of this country-contrasting differences allowing our artisans showcase their beautiful designs.

In Kenya we are working on research and development for the Kisii Stone. We want to be the first company to be able to fire soap stone in a kiln. Our Artisans are able to be true artists and create their own art and ideas. We have set the standard for pricing of Kisii throughout the world which allows are artisans to make more profit for themselves and their family.

SISAL BASKETS

The sisal baskets are used to carry food, produce, or given as gifts. The thin thread is created by taking the sisal leaves and split them into smaller pieces. They remove the fleshy parts of the leaves with a shape edge of a wooden stick a hard surface. The fibers are knotted and ready to be twisted into the sisal yarn. Next, the women dye the yarn and let it dry until it is ready to be woven.

The base of the basket determines how big the basket will be. The larger threads fan out and are the base of the shape before the thinner yarn is placed. Looping around the large threads while pulling tight create the overall shape. The larger threads are then used again at the rim of the basket.

TECHNIQUE: “coil” technique

TIME FRAME: It takes the average Kenyan artisan 2.5 days to weave a basket.