A recent article by Jean Shange from the University of Rwanda documents a successful collaboration between design students and local ‘artists’. The workshop sought to deal with the perceived lack of indigenous design ideas as reflected in the National Craft Industry Promotion Policy, drafted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINNICOM).
In 2006, there were approximately 420 art/craft associations in Rwanda. The article reports that out of a total population of 8.2 million people, only about 100,000 had full-time jobs against 850,000 who had low salary part-time employment. The size of the population living below the poverty line was projected at 57 percent
Francois Kanimba, the Minister of Trade and Commerce, told the New Times Newspaper that, “African products are too similar to thrive in intra-regional markets. History has shown that African products are mostly designed to suit developed markets. African traders are reluctant to produce valuable goods that can be traded amongst ourselves and this has greatly tampered trade” (The New Times Newspaper, 2014: p.7).
The produced developed by the students included beaded lampshades, banana-fiber tablemats, pine wood footstools, palm leaves jewelry pieces and sisal grass mobile phone/tablet carrying bags pouches. The students named their products by combining two or more Kinyarwanda words, which describe the functional value of the product.
Reference
Shange, Jean. 2014. “Indigenous Artists and Design Students Team up to Create Innovative Handcraft Products, Rwanda.” Global Advanced Research Journal of Arts and Humanities 3 (1): 1–5.
URUSARO LAMPSHADE
The beaded lampshade is a result of a collaborative venture between students of the University of Rwanda and an indigenous lady who resides in one of the villages in Rwanda. The shape and design of the lampshade was done and constructed by students themselves, thereafter the beadwork was added. The base was recycled from an old lamp.
RYOHERWA TABLEMATS
This table mat is made from Banana Fibres found in Rwanda. The is a collaborative venture between students of the University of Rwanda and an indigenous artist named Jack Kwizera. The corners of the mat are connected, which allows the mat to fold into the size of one of the rectangular shapes. Three sizes were created for a four, six and eight seater tables. Thee Ryoherwa Mats are a good gift idea, especially during Easter or Christmas holidays.
SHAMANGA EARRINGS
These earrings are made from wet and dry Banana Fibre leaves found in Rwanda. This product was collaborative effort between students from the University of Rwanda and a Local Cooperative that works with many natural materials to produce handmade craft items.
TONESHA BAGS are made from Sisal Grass, which grows in Rwanda. The design and production of the bag was a collaborative venture between students from the University of Rwanda and Mama Tanga, who is a crafter. The students worked with Mama Tanga because she is a young mother who is passionate about promoting Rwanda culture through craft.
TONESHA BAG: This bag design was created with the idea of having a stylish cellphone pouch, which also allows easy access to your phone.
Jean Shange adds this note about the issue of Intellectual Property: For these prototypes the students bought the materials and also purchased the products when they were finished. This was advice from the crafters that for sample design/products it is better for them to pay for everything. I am guessing this is how they work within cooperatives. They make agreement with client to not reproduce their design unless the client has failed to pay for the finished product.
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