Visual artist Sinthani Simkonda trading as Elyn Baskets has added to their brand rope weaving techniques to introduce rope benches into their product line following their participation at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela Festival in India last year.
Simkonda posted on Elyn Baskets social media page of their expansion saying the creations have been inspired by the opportunity they had in interacting with artisans from different countries.
“One key outcome was learning rope weaving techniques. The experience also helped me understand the importance of improving product quality, especially in terms of presentation for the international market,” Simkonda said.
The visual artist also said that the festival inspired Elyn Baskets to further transform local crafts into modern products while still preserving our cultural identity.
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“As Elyn Baskets, we are a brand dedicated to reviving and modernising traditional weaving and handcraft skills that were once widely practiced by our parents but are now fading,” Simkonda said, adding that they work with local artisans, especially women.
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Director of Arts in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Humphrey Mpondaminga heaped praise on Elyn Baskets saying their new creations have shown that the tours that are made outside the country in different platforms are bringing positives.
“Exposure ignited interest and this means a lot to Malawi in terms of growth for the creative sector. If Elyn Baskets had not travelled to India, they would not have developed. This is also part of promoting and preserving our Intangible Cultural Heritage,” Mpondaminga said.
