'Ekipa'

In Namibia lies the sheep and cattle farm, Kiripotib. It is an oasis in this vast, arid region where the peace and quiet is healing. Here one is entranced by the creativity and expertise of the artists and craftpeople of African Kirikara. It is here that unique pieces of jewellery capturing the African spirit are created.

The traditional Ekipa amulets are carved from ivory. They are in high demand because of their aesthetic quality and cultural value. The 13th Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) permitted Namibia to resume non-commercial trade in ekipas. The Jewellers Association of Namibia (Jassona) has committed itself to forming partnerships with local communities and adding value by incorporating Ekipas in high-value jewellery pieces. Selling Ekipas for non-commercial purposes means that these ivory trinkets can be sold to tourists for their personal use, but they cannot be sold in bulk to outside markets. The United States and the European Union will allow their citizens to import ekipas for personal use, but not for resale. At our farm studios on the Guest FarmKiripotib we have one of the oldest and most exquisite Ekipa collections, of which some are incorporated to make fine jewellery in our goldsmith studio on the farm.


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