KAZURI “Small & Beautiful”
Out of Africa & Kazuri Beads
Kazuri Beads is located just on the outskirts of Nairobi on the estate of Karen Blixen, owner of the amazing property where the Academy Award winning film Out of Africa was filmed in 1985 starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
These beads are handcrafted, hand shaped beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings all made by women in the stunning country of Kenya. This operation not only supports women and men to keep them out of poverty, it also provides an income for many extended Kenyan family members who have been devasted by the AIDS crisis.
Rita Willms and her husband Dennis of Ontario became personally involved with this grassroots operation many years ago. This organization, conceived and started by Lady Susan Woods produces jewellery which is made from clay found at the base of Mount Kenya. The beads are designed, shaped, fired in a kiln, painted and refired to produce hot colours often found in Africa – brilliant reds, sky blues, and sunflower yellows.
Lady Woods started this incredible organization in 1975 when she wanted to assist single woman who were struggling to stay out of poverty. Kazuri has flourished through the pandemic albeit on a much smaller scale.
Lady Jane Woods now deceased, left her legacy in many ways in the country of Africa. She received the Order of the Royal British Empire from Queen Elizabeth.
This is a beautiful interview. The beads are eye popping beautiful!
