OSHIWA
OVERVIEW |
ARTISANS
Oshiwa Hand Carved Photo Frames
Oshiwa's frames are produced by skilled craftsmen from Kavango, Namibia, who have plied their craft as woodcarvers for centuries. Oshiwa carvers also produce a range of unique African Textile Designs, which are hand carved on wood blocks and screen printed on a range of cushion covers and bags. Oshiwa means “beautiful”.
Since 1994, african designs by Jakopo Sipoya, Paulus Mutunda, Josef Kanwa and Dhumba Joseph, have flourished at Oshiwa. The power of Oshiwa designs lie in their universal nature, instantly recognizable as African, while at the same time resonating with cultures as widely dispersed as Egypt, Aztec, Mayan, Central Europe, Red Indian and Eskimo.
Jakopo Sipoya, the first carver to work with Oshiwa, has since passed away. He spoke with fond memories of hunting trips with his father, a Master Carver, and life as a child on the banks of the Kavango River, still the main life source of the Kavango people. Traditionally, Kavangos have lived by fishing, tending cattle and cultivating maize and millet; the younger generation usually seek their livelihood in urban areas. Jakopo often spoke of the dire need of his people: victims of war, transgressors from neighbouring Angola, who, after several generations, are often still not recognized as citizens of Namibia. He spoke of the scourge of alcohol and the loss of tradition. The arduous process of carving demands a patience not readily accepted by youth - slowly but surely, the carving tradition is dying out.
The hardships of the carvers’ lives are reflected in their long journeys between the capital of Namibia, Windhoek, where Oshiwa is based, and their homes in Kavango. Overnight journeys in hot, crowded, and unsafe transport bring them back to their homes, often for illness or funerals. Competition from traders and craftsmen from outside Namibia and rising costs threaten their livelihood. At Oshiwa, we continue from year to year to find ways to sustain the craft. We hope that you, the visitor to our online store, will recognize the unique and outstanding quality of our products.
{TAG:SiteContent}