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About
Ila Suleyman of Ghana presents this bold statement necklace. Crafted from 40 strands of leather in a peach hue, the artist names this Songtaaba, a Northern Ghanaian word meaning "unity."
Product details
- Leather, plastic button
- Avoid contact with water
- Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
- Button clasp
- 68 grams
- 0.1 lbs
- Length: 27.5"
Meet the artist
"My forefathers were predominantly millet and cattle farmers, and they would use the leather of the animals for accessories such as talismans, bangles and necklaces for personal use."
"Assalamu Alaikum. Peace be unto you! I'm Ila Suleyman, of Bawku in Ghana and my parents are Rayende and Nabiga Suleyman. I was born into a family of artists who have carved and crafted wood and leather products for several family generations. I have been told the crafts that we do date back to more than a century ago, but it was my great-grandfather who took on the craft and made a real venture out of it.
"My forefathers were predominantly millet and cattle farmers, and they would use the leather of the animals they reared for clothing and accessories such as talismans, bangles and necklaces for personal use. My great-grandfather saw this natural talent and skill as an opportunity to develop a successful venture which has become a family enterprise.
"Growing up, I was very fond of my grandfather and I spent a lot of time with him. He taught me a lot of things including how to prepare natural leather and create beautiful things of it at a very early age. Right out of senior high school, I had the option to pursue other activities but I was interested in walking in the shoes of my grandfather, father and other family members who ate and lived art. I had already mastered the craft by then, and I was intrigued by the deep thought and patience that went into crafting a piece.
"I joined my father at his workshop and helped him create new designs and craft leather accessories. I designed a more youthful and modern collection which was incorporated into the traditional styles that we were used to creating. These sold very well and, from then on, my father trusted me to work more independently.
"I have since introduced new materials in my collection by exploring the use of other natural materials such as wood and some recycled materials. These are designed and crafted by me with assistance from my childhood friend Deri, who has become my partner in the workshop, along with a staff of five.
"My designs are unique and traditional with a modern feel. I draw inspiration from my rich culture and from the natural world that surrounds me. I also research modern fashion trends for ideas in style and colors that are right for the market I craft for. Although I introduce modernity in my designs, they are finished as timeless pieces to be cherished for generations.
"My favorite thing about my art is the way people react to it. I've seen it cause joy, happiness, contentment and, most of all, I love the smiles it puts on the faces of those who favor my collections. This makes what I do for a living worthwhile.
"The major challenge I face in my craft business is the industrially manufactured copies of our authentic hand-crafted artistry that flood the market, and threaten local artisans like me. I rise above this by producing wonderful and more interesting handmade designs. I also work with other artisans who create handmade jewelry in order to highlight the positive impact it has in our lives when people support artisans.
"I love what I do and I don't see myself doing anything else but art. When am not designing or crafting, I like to be in a quiet and calm place like the beach. I also like to party occasionally with my friends. I am a friendly and outgoing person.
"I help the physically challenged in my community by training those who have an interest in arts. I also do what I can to support the less privileged by helping them complete their primary education. So far, I have assisted four people who have successfully completed their primary education and have moved on to technical and secondary schools.
"I hope that my life turns out so well that I may contribute to the development of my community and country. I also hope to showcase my work in international communities and create awareness of what Africa has to offer in terms of talent in art and craft. It is my dream that my designs will be known worldwide. I believe working with you will be a start to living my dreams and aspirations."
This item was handmade in West Africa by NOVICA artisan borrowers. Kiva lenders have helped these artisans stock up on materials, buy more tools and grow their businesses.
This item qualifies for FREE SHIPPING!
- Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
- Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.
We want you to be 100% satified with your order, so if you are not completely happy with your item, you can return it within 60 days of receiving it.
Return instructions
We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 4 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.
Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.
If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.
This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
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We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.
Triple 'Win' Pricing
Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.
WIN # 1 You Save!
Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
WIN # 2 Children Benefit!
Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.
You can learn more about Kiva's work, on About Kiva.
WIN # 3 Artisans Profit!
Kiva Store artisans set their own prices and control their own businesses. Kiva Store offers artisans a free platform to sell their work throughout the United States.
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Delivering a beautiful handmade treasure, wrapped by hand in exquisite packaging will make your gifts truly unforgettable.
Above all, it's EASY! Just select the premium gift wrapping option during checkout and we do the rest. No more last minute worries about presentation - your gifts will be the best dressed every time!
Most premium gift wrap is only $3.95 - $5.95 per item.
Triple 'Win' Pricing
Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.
WIN # 1 You Save!
Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
WIN # 2 Children Benefit!
Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.
You can learn more about Kiva's work, on About Kiva.
WIN # 3 Artisans Profit!
Kiva Store artisans set their own prices and control their own businesses. Kiva Store offers artisans a free platform to sell their work throughout the United States.