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Few Africans recognise their own talents at home
2005-06-09 08:11:37
By Lucky Mkandawire
Tanzania bursts with abundant raw human talent coupled with untold natural resources.More often than not these treasures are never recognised and appreciated at home.
Occasionally it takes one to travel from beyond the borders, thousands of kilometres away, to appreciate what sons and daughters of this peaceful forte should have done.
Last Friday, the Canadian High Commission to Tanzania in conjunction with other partners organised a daylong exhibition for craftspeople in Dar es Salaam.
About 80 Tanzanian artists from across the country attended.
Dubbed Tanz Hands, it was surprising to note, however, that despite First Lady Mama Mkapa’s presence, very few locals came to see what their fellow skilful countrymen had to offer.
This confirmed the saying that few Africans recognise their fellow Africans’ works regardless of the quality.
According to the Canadian High Commissioner to Tanzania Andrew McAlister, the major objective of Tanz Hands is to provide a chance to, mainly small and medium scale Tanzania craftspeople to establish markets, both local and international.
The exhibition that has been running for the past seven years now also seeks to offer the public, especially Dar es Salaam residents, an opportunity to see and buy Tanzanian made handicrafts.
`We are mindful of the fact that most of the top Tanzania handmade creations are found in distant regions where it is almost impractical for a Dar es Salaam resident to travel to buy the handicrafts. That is why we bring a representation of all craftspeople together,` he explained.
Coming from far and wide, a wide variety of dazzling and high quality handmade Tanzania works, large and small, were on display and ready for purchase.
Among others, they included wood, leather and sisal items, as well as needlework, batik and tie-dye clothes, jewellery, toys, baskets, woven cloth and ceramics.
For a moment one would erroneously assume that the day-long event was an open market solely organised for foreigners, Whites in particular, so that they get a glimpse of and purchase some exceptional Tanzanian handiworks.
However, to the exhibitors, the absence of the locals was not the issue. With or without the natives’ presence, what mattered most to them were sales.
As the business came to closing stages, a shaft of light could be seen on most faces of the exhibitors signifying that they did not just fritter away the day. A true indication that they had made enough sales and perhaps orders.
`What I have made from this exhibition is an equivalent of what could have been my turnover for the next two months at my shop,` said Mama Biashara Sasik from Zanzibar, who exhibited cushion and bed covers, wall hangings and bags of different patterns.
Mama Sasik said she was attending the exhibition for the third time and was `deeply indebted to the Canadian High Commission for the opportunity which has made a significant impact to the success of my business.`
The exhibition, first held in 1999, was the brainchild of Edwina Hammond, wife of the then Canadian High Commissioner to Tanzania. It is said she aimed to unite and promote Tanzania handcraft producers so that they demonstrate innovation to the public.
Through the years, the event has been held at the residences of the Canadian High Commissioner, the Italian Ambassador and the Belgian Ambassador in Tanzania.
The event is organised by volunteers knowledgeable in local handicraft with an interest to support the artisans.
The Canadian High Commissioner observed that the carvings were a unique way of conserving past tools and techniques while encouraging the creation of new items and designs, which help the products evolve.
Annette Groth, a German citizen, was thrilled to bits with the exhibition’s set up as she skirted around the pavilions admiring and purchasing a variety of items.
`It is an awe-inspiring event. An absolute lovely initiative because it has provided an opportunity to people, particularly foreigners, to explore Tanzania’s wealthy tradition of creating handicrafts,` she mused.
Groth added: `It is also a great moment that gives this country to showcase and promote her diversified culture.
It is an initiative everybody should be proud of, not only foreigners and craftspeople but every Tanzanian citizen because it lifts the profile of the country’s culture.`
But Groth bemoaned the timing saying one day was not sufficient to both exhibitors and clients.
`I urge the organisers to consider making it two or three days because a day is not enough.
The advantage is that those who fail to visit on first day can always make it the next day,` she said.
Another patron, Araceli von Tell from Sweden concurred with Groth saying the exhibition was a fitting forum for Tanzanian craftspeople because it gave them a wonderful opening to exhibit and promote their works.
To 25-year-old Doage Akida of Nasoro Woodwork at Makumbusho in Dar es Salaam, Tanz Hands exhibition has brought fortune to his furniture business since his first participation last year.
Youthful Akida has seen a considerable upsurge in sales and number of clients.
`It has really boosted my business.
Even today I am very certain that I will have a number of new clients and orders by close of business,` he said.
The trade show certainly produced some rare and quality art. One pavilion that was swarmed with viewers was Nzito Furniture belonging to Colin and Nicola Swynnerton of Arusha. Patrons were mainly stunned with necklaces, bangles and other stuff made from recycled wood.
`As you can see, in the process we also help in environmental conservation because there is no cutting down of trees involved here,` Collin told The Guardian.
It was beyond doubt that the locals at the exhibition left impressed at the artistic skills from Tanzania craftspeople.
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