| Closure | Zipper |
| Handle type | Round leather |
These handbags are traditionally handwoven using natural sisal fibres. They are available in different sizes and comes in varieties of colours and patterns. Fitted with cotton lining, zipper closure and round leather handles for style, comfort, security and durability.
Several women belonging to the kamba community in Kenya came together and formed self help groups where they make these bags and baskets and sell them to earn a living. Buying these bags will benefit and support some vulnerable families in Kenya.
THE RAW MATERIAL
The basic raw material used in weaving ‘kiondo’ is sisal plant, known as makonge in Kikuyu and kamba. The sisal plant with botanical name Agave sisalana is a species of Agave. The part of the plant used to weave the basket is the leaves that contain strong fibres that are extracted.
WEAVING PROCESS
1. Harvesting
The handy plant grows well all year round in hot climate and arid regions which are often unsuitable for other crops. Sisal is harvested from 2 years after planting and its productive life can reach up to 12 years. Harvesting is done by cutting / striping the outer mature layers / leaves using a sharp knife or machete. Each leave has a thorn at the end which is sharp pointed so care must be taken when harvesting. The thorn is cut and thrown away.
2. Extracting / removing the fibre
Although the leaves contain about 90% moisture, they are rigid and the fleshy pulp is very firm. The fibres which lie embedded longitudinally in the leaves, being most abundant near the surfaces, must be removed from the leaves as soon as they are cut in order to avoid risk of damage during the cleaning process.
Fibre removal is accomplished by scrapping away the pulpy material, generally by a mechanical decortications process, and by hand striping. The fibres are washed and sun dried.
3. Twisting of the fibres / threads
The fibres are hand twisted in traditional way to make the weaving threads. Two single threads are placed on the thigh and by placing the palm on them and moving the palm forward and backward the two threads are twinned.
4. Dyeing of the weaving threads
The weaver boils the threads to be used with salted water and dye sets the bag's colours. This is to make the dye not to run out easily. The dye used are either from mango leaves, tree barks or plant roots which are environmentally friendly unlike the lead filled stains and materials used in those "shinny glamour bags". These natural resources makes the beautiful and significant colours used in the fibres woven together creating stunning patterns!
The 'kiondo' bag is cultural symbol of the basketry skills used by the kikuyu and kamba women of Kenya. These artisans are not only resourceful but environmentally conscious, too. You can't go wrong with working with all natural dyes.
5. Weaving methods / techniques
Women make 'kiondo' from yarn woven around a sisal frame. It is from this yarn that a 'kiondo' sisal bag is made. It takes between 1 to 2 weeks to complete a bag. Most weavers have to look after their households; therefore, weaving is done whenever they have time. Kiondo sisal baskets come in different sizes, shapes and colour patterns. Sometimes small beads and shells are woven into the 'kiondo'. It is a time-honored custom for mothers to weave 'kiondo' for their daughters as a wedding gift.
Although some Asian countries have tried to take patent rights of 'kiondo' brand after it hit the world market and became an international brand in 1970s, the truth is though the 'kiondo' is an authentic Kenyan product in origin.
6. The leather straps / handles
The functional straps / handles are fashioned from tanned genuine cowhide and goat skin. The leather covering / trimming adds style, comfort and durability to the bags.
Usage
These bags are sturdy enough for day to day casual use as handbag, evening bag, coin purse, cosmetic or diaper bag, e.t.c
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