Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society is a Kenyan organization producing high-quality animal, functional, and decorative carvings, masks, ornaments, human sculptures, and customized goods for over 50 years. Founded in 1963 by approximately 300 carvers, the organization has grown to a membership of nearly 2,800, with well-developed and specialized carving skills.
While sales of the carvings were once good, relying on tourists and locals visiting the organization’s on-site shop, the decline of tourism on the Kenyan coast in recent years has led to decreased sales and economic challenges for the artisans. Despite these challenges, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society has continued to adapt and find new opportunities, collaborating with organizations like Crafts With Meaning to promote sustainable development and provide market access.
The beginnings of the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society
Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society was founded in 1963 by approximately 300 carvers to promote and advance the traditional art of wood carving in the Ukambani region of Kenya. The organization occupies an area of nine acres with basic infrastructure, including working sheds, a quality control section, a wholesale shop, an export department, a showroom shop, a complete administration block, and social amenities. Visitors to the organization can watch the carving process from start to finish, from selecting the best log for a particular design to the rough carving, detailing, smoothing, decorating, and finishing of the finished product.
Since its founding, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the art of wood carving in Kenya. The organization has fostered the development of specialized carving skills and supported the livelihoods of its artisans, helping to keep this traditional craft alive and thriving. The organization’s success in its early years laid the foundation for its continued growth and expansion in the following decades, allowing it to reach a global audience and establish itself as a respected and reliable source of high-quality wood carvings and other handicrafts.
Expansion beyond the Kenyan coast
In the early years of its operation, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society focused on selling its products locally. Still, as demand grew, the organization began exporting its carvings to other Eastern African countries. Twenty years after its founding, in 1946, the organization’s products were sold in other countries. By the 1950s, the organization had expanded its reach to include Southern Rhodesia (now Botswana).
In the following decades, the organization’s products were also being sold in Central Africa, Congo, and around the world, with Kamba men traveling to these regions to trade and teach the art of carving. The expansion beyond the Kenyan coast allowed the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society to reach a wider audience and increase sales, contributing to the organization’s growth and success.
Global demand for Akamba Handicraft Products
The high quality and unique designs of Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society’s products have attracted a global client base, with customers and partnerships established in various countries worldwide. The organization’s success in international markets has helped it to continue to grow and thrive, despite the challenges it has faced in recent years due to the decline of tourism on the Kenyan coast.
The demand for Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society’s products is a testament to the skill and dedication of the organization’s artisans and the value of traditional craftsmanship in today’s market. By offering handmade products of high quality, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society has been able to meet the needs and preferences of global consumers and build a strong reputation as a reliable and trusted source of wood carvings and other handicrafts.
The Future of Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society
Despite the economic challenges it has faced in recent years, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society remains committed to preserving the traditional art of wood carving and supporting the skills and talents of its artisans. The organization plans continued growth and expansion, including introducing handmade carvings with contemporary styling to meet the growing demand for such products. By collaborating with organizations like Crafts With Meaning, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society can access new markets and provide its artisans with the support they need to continue their craft.
In addition to expanding its product offerings, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society is also focused on ensuring the sustainability of its operations. This includes implementing fair working practices, promoting creative innovation, and implementing quality management measures to ensure that its products meet the high standards of its global customers. By focusing on these efforts, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society is positioning itself for long-term success and growth while continuing to support and value the skills and talents of its artisans.
Conclusion
Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society is a dedicated and skilled group of artisans who have produced high-quality wood carvings and other handmade crafts for over 50 years. Despite facing economic challenges in recent years due to the decline of tourism on the Kenyan coast, the organization has continued to adapt and find new opportunities to promote sustainable economic development and support its artisans.
The organization’s products have gained a global reputation for their high quality and unique designs, and it has established customers and partnerships in various countries worldwide. As it looks to the future, the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society is committed to preserving the traditional art of wood carving and supporting the skills and talents of its artisans, with plans for continued growth and expansion.
It is important to support and value traditional artisans like those at Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society, as their craftsmanship is an important part of cultural heritage and can contribute to economic growth. By purchasing products from organizations like the Akamba Handicraft Industry Co-operative Society, consumers can support traditional artisans and their communities while also purchasing unique, handmade products with a meaningful stories behind them.
