Linen - Import export

The distinctive embroidery of Oasa Taradi is the result of years of careful cultivation and dedication. Unique, bold, eye-catching and well executed, the beautifully embroidered cushion covers, tablecloths, serviettes, aprons and placemats of Oasa Taradi are the finished products of underprivileged women in Namibia. ‘Oasa Taradi’ means ‘busy women’ in Nama/Damara, an indigenous Namibian language. The trust developed from a sewing project started by the Red Cross in 1989. The project engaged underprivileged Namibian women to sew and repair clothing using sewing machines donated by the Red Cross. The women involved with the project were unemployed, heads of their households, sole caretakers of their children and breadwinners of their families. In 1993, the Oasa Taradi Trust was established with the support of local and international volunteers who saw the project and the products had potential.

Kabo Craft is a magnet for creative minds and untrained hands. Minds that draw inspiration from Namibia’s stark environment; its cultures, its spaces of a vast nature and the vibrant cities. (Hands, that shape arts and design out of every material available, from mopane wood and desert sand, to newspaper and beer cans). It is this passion for the land, aesthetics and the people, which you can see in the product that are truly Namibian ranging from papier mache, metal and woodwork, printed fabrics and toys. Located on Krumhuk farm near Windhoek, all products are hand-made by Namibians trained under talented creative eye of Katrin Bockmuhl.

Miracle Arts & Crafts is a relatively small stall in the Namibia Crafts Centre but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with a resplendent and truly amazing variety of small to medium sized handicrafts from every imaginable corner of Namibia. The woman behind this ‘tiny shopping mall’ of crafts is Elisabeth Hangara, a crafter herself. Elisabeth has a generous, curious and creative spirit which manifests itself in the depth of the range of crafts in the stall. Everything and anything you can imagine from ear adornments, bangles, postcards, greeting cards, handmade paper, Namibian flags and key-rings, scarves to hand-embroidered cushion covers, placemats, ceramics, wire craft, wood craft…the list is endless. She so thoroughly immerses visitors to her stall in the variety of craft products available in Namibia.

Out Of Katutura is a collaboration of two projects, the IYaloo Project and the Matukondo Doll Project. The IYaloo Project was started in 2005 by four unemployed women of Katutura. Kornelia, Beata, Maria and Emilia combined their skills to alter, repair clothing and make pet baskets for cats and dogs, and later expanded to include the production of beanbags. While making beautiful beanbags, the IYaloo women also started making unique and interesting handbags using discarded vinyl LPs. The Matukondjo Dolls Project was founded in 2003 by a former kindergarten teacher, the original eight members of the Matukondjo Dolls Project are still the primary producers of a charming collection of 100% child-friendly rag dolls. The range of includes a Big Mama doll, a Sister Baby doll and a Simple Doll Dress.

Anin is a Nama word that translates to many birds. The Nama People is a member of the Khoikhoi people of Namibia and live in the Southern parts of the vast Namibia. Heidi von Hase established Anin Embroidery in 1987 by initially supplying materials and providing creative direction to the women. The motifs chosen mostly depicted the many birds of Anin itself and familiar scenes from village life in Hoachanas – set against a backdrop of makeshift houses and dusty yards. Strips of fabric and threads were given to the embroidering ladies to work onto. These strips formed both the functional and aesthetic appeal that is still the core feature of the ‘anin style’ today. Finding this practically creative way to create a functional craft by sewing up tablecloths, cushion covers and later bed linen, Heidi took the women’s skills to another level. Tourists came from far and wide to see the craftsmanship of incredibly gifted hands and purchase a souvenir for friends and family.