Objective: To promote smithy and community relations through improving blacksmith work stations, enhancing local trade and livelihoods for traditional blacksmiths.

Background

The Konso people of northern Kenya have traditionally worked iron for the development and cultural survival of themselves and that of their neighbors. They play special roles in the service of providing tools and ornaments required by neighboring tribes for defense, rituals and for ceremonial purposes.

The loss of material culture occasioned by rapid culture change and invasion by foreign tools and artifacts has however posed severe threat to the Tumtu occupation. The proliferation of small firearms is rapidly replacing the spear in the region. Hand-crafted materials with their intricate designs are being displaced by the often imported tools and ornaments which are supplied by the urban markets.

 

Against these and other challenges, a few Konso and Waata blacksmiths continue to practice their age old tradition, supplying the much needed products to their neighbours and making a decent living out of it.

The purpose of this project is to improve the Tumtu (blacksmith) work environment, provide initial raw material (scrap metal) and create opportunities for sustainable economic returns and transmission of the art. The project will revitalize these activities and livelihoods which are essential to them and to their neighbors.

Summary

The project assists the community’s efforts in the rehabilitation of the blacksmith work stations (Hoss), the acquisition of raw materials (Scrap metals) for smithy and creation of environmental conservation awareness among the Konso people of the Hurri Hills, Northern Kenya.

Funding

Grantee: Hurri Hills Tumtu Bidii Group

Grantor: The Christensen Fund

Project period: September 2009- October 2010