!Ikhoba Textile Project

Anin is a Nama word that translates to many birds. The Nama People is a member of the Khoikhoi people of Namibia and live in the Southern parts of the vast Namibia. Heidi von Hase established Anin Embroidery in 1987 by initially supplying materials and providing creative direction to the women. The motifs chosen mostly depicted the many birds of Anin itself and familiar scenes from village life in Hoachanas – set against a backdrop of makeshift houses and dusty yards. Strips of fabric and threads were given to the embroidering ladies to work onto. These strips formed both the functional and aesthetic appeal that is still the core feature of the ‘anin style’ today. Finding this practically creative way to create a functional craft by sewing up tablecloths, cushion covers and later bed linen, Heidi took the women’s skills to another level. Tourists came from far and wide to see the craftsmanship of incredibly gifted hands and purchase a souvenir for friends and family.

The distinctive embroidery of Oasa Taradi is the result of years of careful cultivation and dedication. Unique, bold, eye-catching and well executed, the beautifully embroidered cushion covers, tablecloths, serviettes, aprons and placemats of Oasa Taradi are the finished products of underprivileged women in Namibia. ‘Oasa Taradi’ means ‘busy women’ in Nama/Damara, an indigenous Namibian language. The trust developed from a sewing project started by the Red Cross in 1989. The project engaged underprivileged Namibian women to sew and repair clothing using sewing machines donated by the Red Cross. The women involved with the project were unemployed, heads of their households, sole caretakers of their children and breadwinners of their families. In 1993, the Oasa Taradi Trust was established with the support of local and international volunteers who saw the project and the products had potential.

Bertha Pakarae started off as a saleslady for several shops, and when her employer returned to Germany she had the opportunity to start her own business, Hunotjari. She has a wide range of bespoke babies ‘clothing made in unusual funky African fabrics, as well as ladies’ skirts, tops and handbags. Every single item is hand made with loads of love and attention to detail and designed and produced right here in Windhoek, Namibia. In addition to African clothing, Hunotjari stocks hand-made jewellery from Tameka and Heike Lukaschik, two renowned Namibian jewellers.