Jambo means Welcome in Swahili.
Jambo Creations mission is to help provide a better future for impoverished Tanzanians, who are among the most genuinely wonderful, hard-working, humorous and sensible people on this planet. They have much to teach the world if we can help them achieve their goals. JamboCreations.etsy.com is commited to generating an income stream for school textbooks, teaching supplies, water projects, and entrepeneurial efforts. Asante sana! Thank you for being here!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the absolute most rare and among the most expensive gemstones, discovered in 1972 by Maasai tribesmen at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and exclusively mined only in that one location. It is a controlled resource, and only fake or simulated tanzanite is available in the general market. The Tanzanite Foundation has made an effort to direct some funds to benefit Tanzania's people.
Still, given the restricted distribution of this material, one would think it would have greatly enhanced the economic status of the Maasai people who discovered the source. Regrettably that is not the case, reflecting the way the world works when it comes to who benefits the most from natural resources.
Tanzanite is also known as zoisite, and there are apparently cheap chips and nuggets of it available on the market, which can be assumed to be waste material from the cutting of the pure gems. Nothing wrong with it, but something to bear in mind when purchasing inexpensive tanzanite jewelry or loose chips for crafting.
I've decided to feature simulated tanzanite in some of the designs sold at our non-profit etsy store, Jambo Creations, with the idea of using the gemstone's symbolic meaning to direct funds back into some of Tanzania's critical projects.
A genuine briolette of the size in my yellow beaded earrings in the photo above would typically start at around $1800.00-$4000.00 USD, and higher depending on quality. Needless to say, my fun earrings feature simulated tanzanite from Swarovsky. I'll also be making some classic earrings with this simulated stone, so please keep an eye on Jambo Creations etsy store!
We visited the Tanzanite Foundation in Arusha, and were dazzled by the spectacular color-flash of this amazing and rare stone. The colors range from light periwinkle to lilac hues to rich royal blue. If you're interested in authentic tanzanite (and have very deep pockets, visit http://tanzanitefoundation.org
Here's an article of interest for further reading on the subject:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1594137-1,00.html
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Mamas and a Warrior

There is no single word in the English language to capture the essence of Clamian. "Great person" doesn't do justice, because he is also "fun guy," "smart man," "wonderful family man" -- you get the picture. There's a Yiddish word for him: Mensch. This is the word to describe one of noble yet humble character, who gives of himself for the sake of others without expecting anything in return, who jumps in and takes responsibility for problems he can help fix, who genuinely cares for his family, who is always ethical....again, you get the picture.
This is where the Maasai warrior steps in. The role of the warrior is similar to our police motto, "To serve and to protect." When he is young, the future Maasai warrior is groomed to devote his life and energy to assisting his fellow Maasai, be it protecting cattle from predators or thieves, or protecting villagers from dangers posed by wildlife, or would-be robbers, trying to help in any way he can, traditionally receiving no income or reward other than what's provided by his fellow Maasai.
Clamian, having embraced a modern lifestyle to support his family, is still committed to his Warrior role by helping to fix whatever is wrong that crosses his path. One of his passions is helping his fellow Maasai to become educated and learn modern skills for better employment.
Another project is the Mamas jewelry cooperative.
So, while first world entrepenuers may profit handsomely by adopting Maasai traditional designs, those who can claim rights to the designs remain impoverished. Karen and I resolved to address this issue with Jambo Creations.
For our Jambo Creations Etsy store, we have two primary goals. First, we'll support the Maasai Conservation Fund with proceeds of sales from Jambo Creations, to improve lives of women like the Mamas, and that of their families and communities. Secondly, we hope to raise appreciation for intricate and colorful Maasai and African tribal jewelry, oft copied by first-world designers and crafters who too often neglect to acknowledge the cultures behind these inspirations.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Color Mixology: Tanzanian Style
Driving through Arusha and beyond into the countryside on day 1 of our safari, our guides chuckled at us as we madly photographed colorfully dressed Tanzanians we passed along the route. This meant constant of shutter clicking, because everybody sports wild color with artistic abandon. Teal patterned skirts worn with orange and lime green tops, with heads wrapped in purple or hot pink, for instance. Or, how about red plaid worn with azure blue floral prints, or apple green pants worn with turquoise shirts:
On top of free-wheeling use of colorful fabrics, Tanzania's Masai women pile on beaded jewelry, adorning ears, necks and arms with multiple pieces, free of color contraint. No worry if the day's ensemble is lime green and purple and you want to wear an orange/white/blue necklace with a black/pink/yellow beaded choker-collar. Just do it. The western fashionista rule of,, "Get dressed, then take one thing off" does not apply. There's no such thing as being over-dressed for the occasion. Layered jewelry isn't limited to special occasions. Masai women adorn themselves for their daily tasks of fetching water, tending herds, minding children, doing laundry, working in the markets. All activities are considered part of the social life, and when you socialize, you dress!
Clamian told us that husbands demonstrate their esteem for their wives by buying them splendid garb. The profusion of stunning clothing testifies to a multitude of appreciative husbands in Tanzania!
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