Oodi Weavers is a place I have wanted to visit since hearing about it from others here. When our friends from IN visited us last month, what better time to go?! Though we were taking them to 'shop', I was hoping to find a treasure there for our (OK, myself!) home in NC.
To learn a little about Oodi Weavers, go to this
link , or this
one to read a little about the history.
Here's another
link about the founding and sustaining of the business.
From the card that came with my tapestry:
"This tapestry is a unique piece of art, the only of its kind. The yarn used is pure new wool, spun and dyed by the weavers themselves to rich African hues, and is all moth-proofed and extremely durable. The tapestries are designed during the weaving progress by the weavers themselves -- without prepared sketches -- and each tapestry depicts its own story. Oodi Tapestries have won international acclaim from successful exhibitions in Europe and North America."
This first picture is of our tapestry from Oodi. The proper way to display the tapestry is from a wooden or metal rod. Rather than wait for that, I asked Mr. B. if he would hang the tapestry for us to enjoy. (I provided the 3M Command hooks for the hanging. Tacky, but it works until we get home!) Mrs. B helped me decide on this tapestry. I liked it best because it shows a village with its people living everyday life...men working, mothers with their babies on their backs while balancing bundles on their head, children, goats, chickens and roosters. Plus, I liked the blue sky and the hills. The blue skies of Botswana are the brightest blue! I'm going to miss the blue skies here.
A "close up" of our tapestry.
This is Selebaleng, the lady that created our tapestry.
What a joy to meet the artist of our treasure.
Spinning in progress. Only one lady was doing the spinning.
Weaver at work. The ladies were talking and humming while they worked.
Very relaxed and joyful environment.
Another weaver
Close-up of her work in progress
I really liked the golden and orange background
Setting up the 'framework' for another tapestry to be created
The handspun and dyed yarn, drying in the warm Botswana sun
Inside the workshop
When we arrived at the location, the gate was closed, but the sign displaying the hours of operation (sorry, didn't take a pic) indicated they should be open. So, what did we do?? Like any good tourist, we opened the gate and drove up to the buildings to see if anyone was around!!
I'm so glad we did!!!
The Oodi Weavers store
Inside the store. I wish I had taken pictures of the many colorful tapestries on display. I think I was more engrossed in picking one out to take home! Our R captured these pictures for me to share with you. Tapestries were available in all sizes. Deciding was tough!!!
Mr. B checking out the price tag.
"Remember, that's in Pula, not USD. Divide by 7."
Mrs. B. She's so funny. I miss her.
Mr. SHINNanigans, checking out a tapestry
The workshop - where the artwork is crafted
Again, I am SO glad we made the short trip from Gaborone to the village of Oodi. I am thankful for the artists that were so kind and allowed me to take their picture. More memories of our time in Botswana that I will never forget. For our friends in NC, we can't wait to show you these one-of-a-kind treasures from Botswana.
