Jewels of the Kalahari – Hand Eye Magazine Article

image courtesy of boo george

“The ancient Bushmen enter the international jewelry market

The Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert are almost as old as humanity itself. Geneticists tell us that they are perhaps the oldest group still walking the earth. Sadly, like many ancient peoples, they are among the poorest and most disenfranchised in their southern African homeland.

Poverty notwithstanding, for countless generations the Bushmen have made beautiful jewelry to adorn themselves and their loved ones. Largely isolated from the outside world until the last century, they created (and still create today) intricate pieces using wild seeds, sticks, bone, tortoiseshell, and most importantly of all, beads painstakingly hand made from shards of ostrich eggshell. With ingenuity and precision, the women turn some of the beads a rich brown by frying them or black by roasting them – in order to have three colors of beads with which to make patterns and designs.”

For the full article click here

Inspirational Photography – The Bushmen of the Kgalagadi by Boo George

Jewels of the Kalahari_Part Two

Some of the images Boo George took during a trip to Kgalagadi in Botswana over December 2009 with Sabine Roemer, Anna Haber and Charlie Ryan. This is part of the Jewels of the Kalahari Jewellery Collection.

A trip full of inspiration and an exchange of knowledge from both Roemer and team and the Bushmen people.

The model used is a 13 year old girl from the settlement in the Kgalagadi.

Click here for more!!!!

Jewels of the Kalahari_Part One

Élan Botswana recently got involved with a project that involves the women of the Sans People.

This is an initiative that falls under the Kuru Foundation / Group based in Botswana that helps to raise funds for various initiatives concerning the bushman in Southern Africa. Through our work relationships in England and Europe we have become part of this amazing project that involves the Bushmen women who design jewellery.

It was initially internationally exposed by a UK Model/ Actress, Lilly Cole. She discovered the bushman women and their jewellery when touring the Kgalagadi with the Telegraph Magazine. Having fallen in love with their works, she did an article, together with a photo shoot of the jewellery. From the media exposure of the jewellery she managed to get the products sold in London and New York, which profits have all come back to the bushman women to produce more and provide a sustainable environment.

Élan catches up with The Blk Jks for 5 minutes….

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ALBUM TO LISTEN TO WHEN TRAVELLING?

“Right now? Well Baaba Maal and the Brazilian Girls for his new album television; it’s great.”

TOP FIVE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS?

“Toiletries bag, Passport, one Change of shirt……..click here for more… 

Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness

Another export from South Africa, Bantu Continua have been shortlisted for the prestigious Africa Unsigned competition. Click here to read more.

Petit Moulin Hotel, Paris, France

With Paris Fashion Week around the corner this is without doubt the place to stay. Situated in the Le Marais area of Paris, and designed by Christian Lacroix, its one of the chicest destinations. More >>>

Paloma

Introducing Paloma Faith…

click here for more…

KAA, Sao Paulo

The chicest addition to the Sao Paulo restuarant scene is undoutedly, Kaa Restuarant. Located in a dramatic space behind an unassuming facade, Kaa features a 7,000 sq m lush garden wall, a French-Italian menu by chef Pascal Valero and a second-floor cocktail lounge.

Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem

We love the clean lines, and understated simplicity of Mamilla Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the city of Jerusalem, with it’s wellness centre and spa opening at the end of this year,  a visit to the hotel is a must for all discerning travellers! Click here for more information.