Viondo Culture
Category: Accessories
Competitions: Africa
Our project celebrates and preserves the rich heritage of Kikuyu, Meru and other Kenyan tribes through the art of crocheting traditional viondos (bags). We draw inspiration from the beauty of nature, the vibrant flowers, serene rivers, and the picturesque sceneries that surround us. These elements of nature are intricately woven into our designs, symbolizing the harmony between our cultural roots and the environment. The Story Behind Our Viondos (Bags) Our viondos are meticulously handcrafted by a group of dedicated and talented women from mostly the Bantu community in Kenya. we mostly work with kikuyu and Meru women. These women, many of whom are elders, have spent their lives mastering the art of crocheting. Their expertise and passion are reflected in each piece they create, making every bag a unique work of art. Inspiration and Cultural Heritage The tradition of crocheting bags and clothing has been a vital part of Kikuyu and Meru culture for generations, serving not only as a practical craft but also as a means of storytelling and cultural expression. As modernity encroaches, these traditional practices face the threat of fading away. Our project was born out of a desire to preserve this invaluable heritage and pass it on to future generations. Modernizing Tradition and Empowering Women To breathe new life into this ancient craft, we are integrating modern elements such as genuine Kenyan leather into our viondos. This fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary design not only appeals to a broader audience but also adds value to the bags, making them more marketable. Our mission extends beyond preserving a cultural practice; it is also about empowering the women who create these beautiful viondos. We provide them with fair wages and a supportive community where they can thrive. Furthermore, we encourage these women to pass down their knowledge to the younger generation, ensuring that the art of crocheting remains alive and vibrant. A Sustainable and Empowering Future Our project will help to preserve an important cultural heritage and empower women artisans in Kenya. Together, we will ensure that the tradition of crocheting viondos continues to flourish, blending the beauty of nature with the strength of our cultural roots. description and story of the women as well as inspirations on what led me to design them. have added the inspiration images i.e the scenaries of the river..flowers etc the heritage story of the viondos we aare adding value with leather to modernise it from the kikuyu culture as we empower the women who make the bags upload the women photos, the sketch and a video of m doing the sketch. (on upload assets)
