The Making of the Tatu Bracelet

The journey of the Tatu Bracelet starts in a little place on the outskirts of Nairobi. Here in our atelier, artisans craft the bracelet that will travel across the world to you.

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The atelier where Fundis (leatherworkers) and mamas work on Artisans products is surrounded in lush greenery and bright flowers, and is only steps away from this house where ME to WE Trips participants stay overnight on their way to our camp in the Maasai Mara.

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Inside the atelier, the shelves are stocked with shades of soft Kenyan leather. Fundis work at different stations to create an assortment of pieces, like the traditional Malaika Wedding Necklace shown here.

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Happy to show us his trade, Ezekiel readied his station.

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Each piece of a Tatu Bracelet is measured carefully.

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The leather is cut into strips using wide blades and a cutting board.

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The strips are then cut to length so they are able to wrap around the wrist three times.

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Once the strips are prepared, they will be distributed to our 1,000+ mamas who will stitch on the finishing touches of beads and brass.

 

Want to see the final result? Shop Tatu Bracelets here.


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