Ajabu Beads
Ajabu Beads
Natural Beads, Handmade with Love and Passion
Ajabu necklaces, bracelets and earrings are not just beautiful accessories; they represent the rich culture and craftsmanship of Kenya. Handmade in the serene suburb of Karen, just outside of Nairobi, these jewelry pieces are rooted in a history that blends the legacy of Danish settler Karen Blixen with the vibrant artistry of Kenyan women. Her story of the Kenyan people, coffee plantation, and her life in Kenya; a place she loved is beautifully described in her original memoir Out of Africa; then became a legendary movie.
The creation of Ajabu beads begins with raw clay sourced from environmentally sustainable areas around Mt. Kenya, Masai Mara and Tsavo. This clay is lovingly transformed into moldable material in Nairobi, eventually reaching the Ajabu beads glazing unit in Karen. It’s the unique properties of the Kenyan soil that contribute to the stunning finish of each beads.
Every beads is designed and hand-painted by talented Kenyan women, each piece reflecting their individual artistic expressions and cultural heritage. The result is a Kaleidoscope array of colorful, one-of-a-kind jewelry that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Kenyan artisanship.
The name Ajabu, derived from the Swahili word meaning wonder, miracle, mystery, or surprise, encapsulates the essence of these handcrafted creations. Ajabu Beads promotes the empowerment of women while supporting environmentally friendly practices, creating a positive impact in the community. Each piece from Ajabu; is a testament to love, passion, and the rich cultural tapestry of Kenya.
On behalf of Kaleidoscope Creations and as the founder I am delighted to be able to import this stylish, colorful jewelry for you. Each piece will not only compliment but add unique beauty to your personal style.
Ajabu Bead Making & Design Process
Ajabu
Derived from the Swahili word, “Ajabu” meaning wonder, miracle, mystery, or surprise. For the founders of the women, the meaning of “Ajabu” has a great significance and a blessing as it has given over twenty families the opportunity to earn a living through artistic expression.
Materials
The beads are made from raw clay, extracted from areas around Mt. Kenya, Massai Mara and Tsavo regions. Mother nature plays a huge part as the soil regenerates after excavation. This makes it a sustainable and highly environmentally friendly source of raw material. Excavation empowers youth through employment.
The final products are beautifully colored shiny Ceramic Beads, an array of kaleidoscope colors.
“We make our beads with Love and Passion.”
A message from the women artists.
