I enjoy creating textile art with African fabrics because I am
energized by the brilliant colors and varied prints, and textures, and it also reminds me of the rich culture I felt when I visited Kenya. In addition, as a board member, it connects me with the women who use similar African fabrics to sew the LICHA reusable menstrual pad kits that enables many girls in Kenya to attend school regularly.
This past year, I discovered two unique types of textiles from Ghana, which I enjoyed including in the following handmade bags, pillows, small quilts, placemats and wall hangings. The embroidered designs on the pillows and bags are Adinkra symbols from the Akan people in Ghana. They are used to convey proverbs, cultural values and knowledge, such as “Go back and learn from your mistakes”.
You will also notice the beautiful fabric that combines the textured patterns of the Jacquard unique weave with the Batik dying in most of the other items you can purchase. In addition, there are other special handcrafted items including Kenyan jewelry, napkin holders, toothbrush holders and beaded wall hangings, leather bag and a gourd made by Maasai artists and a tablecloth by a local quilter. - Jean Baumgartel (LICHA Board Member)
