Colours of Africa in “Earth Hands”
View(s):“Earth Hands” a home décor product line created by two enterprising women Therica and Marina was launched on October 9 at the Premier Pacific Apartment Club House.
The products celebrate the abundance of nature that can be created into objects of beauty to adorn our homes.
The products are mainly handmade using natural raw material sourced from nature, and include matalu, hanassa, cinnamon sticks, coconut shells, handmade paper, gunny cloth, dried pods, bark cloth (Tapa from Fiji), sandalwood, drift wood etc., which are made into unique and unusual products to adorn any modern home.
The items and raw material are not only sourced from Sri Lanka, but also Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Turkey, the Pacific Islands and selected items from Indonesia. Some of the designs have been created by Therica and Marina.
The home décor items include cinnamon stick and coconut shell candle stands, hanassa tea light holders, table lamps made of hanassa and tapa cloth (bark cloth painted with brick and charcoal from Fiji), coconut shell candle holders, Tapa cloth wall hangings, beaded animals, serviette rings made of batik and tapa cloth, hors d’oeuvre dishes made of shells, masks, carvings, bowls, shields made by artisans from Africa and the Pacific Islands, handmade cushion covers, table and bed runners, just to mention a few.
Almost all the products are handmade by small scale artisans as well as differently abled people, thus giving them an opportunity to showcase their skill as well as provide them with a source of income.
Childhood friends Therica and Marina have spent most of their life in Southern African countries. As such both of them have been exposed to the wild, the vibrant cultures, traditions and colours of Africa from where they get their inspirations.
Rich earth colours, throbbing drum beats and the rhythm and energy of African dance have been a part and parcel of their lives.
Having travelled extensively, both in Africa and Asia, they have developed an eye for the simplicity and beauty of handmade ethnic designs which tells a story of their origin.
Therica is currently the Director of Consumer insights at Nielsen, while Marina is a special needs teacher trained in the UK. “Earth Hands” is on FB (https://www.facebook.com/Earth-Hands-851839148185420/timeline/)