ca. Dec. 26th – Jan. 1st
That time of year is finally upon us, and though it’s not the oldest event of the season, Kwanzaa is here to celebrate a long and valuable history. It was established in 1966 to give African Americans a holiday that affirmed their heritage—a response to the dominant cultural celebration at this time of year, which its founder, Maulana Karenga, viewed as something very white. Nowadays, many people for whom Kwanzaa is a yearly tradition may also observe a religious holiday.
Kwanzaa takes place over seven days between December 26 and January 1, and each day embodies a principle based on Nguzu Saba — the seven principles of African Heritage. For this gift guide, we’ve considered what Artisans Cooperative has on offer so far that can be used to represent each principle.
The principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Table Of Contents
- Custom Family Portraits — Day of Umoja (Unity)
- Zulu African Beaded Necklace — Day of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
- Black Trans Lives Matter Shirt — Day of Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
- Co-op Fundraiser Highlights — Day of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
- Original Tulip Oil Painting — Day of Nia (Purpose)
- “Bubble Pop” Quilting Kits — Day of Kuumba (Creativity)
- Serving Bowl — Day of Imani (Faith)
Custom Family Portraits
Handmade in Montana, USA by Elaine Fraticelli
Umoja – Unity
When people say “family,” they usually mean family by blood or by law, but family can be any number of souls who have come together for any reason. What matters is the presence of a bond.
Bring your family together for a group “photo” this Kwanzaa. This artisan creates highly detailed graphite pencil portraits of you and your family—including pets! Pricing is based on the size of the portrait and number of subjects.
Zulu African Beaded Necklace
Handmade in Kenya by Mercy at TribalTess
Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
We were happy to find that our membership has already begun offering handmade items that celebrate aspects of African culture! This shop’s beautifully beaded jewelry is created largely by and in explicit support of women from the Maasai community in Kenya.
This particular necklace is 16 inches around and 8 inches long.
Black Trans Lives Matter Shirt
Handmade in Pennsylvania, USA by Raffi Morhaba at The Beat in Between
Ujima – Collective Work & Responsibility
Black trans lives matter, and it’s our collective duty to uphold that truth. It takes everyone.
Support black trans lives whenever you get the chance, and show your support with this ethically produced, queerly designed top.
Comes as a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or crop top.
Co-op Fundraiser Highlights
Handmade by Artisans Coop members
Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
Artisans Cooperative is, well, a cooperative. It’s our goal to embody and share in the values of cooperative economics—so we thought it would be appropriate to highlight some of our fundraiser items here.
You can of course simply browse our fundraiser, but in case you’re indecisive: here are just a couple things you and your loved ones might appreciate.
Artisans Cooperative Gift Card – A classic. Do you know someone who is impossible to shop for? Let them browse the marketplace themselves with a gift card of anywhere from $10 to $250.
Brook Style Handmade Soft Cover Journal – Blessed with the Coop’s mascot, these handmade journals come with a choice of lined or blank paper, and a few different colored backgrounds.
Tourmaline Bezel-Set Sterling Silver Ring – This ring’s gemstone has some pinker versions of the Coop’s colors—a more subtle support of the cooperative cause.
Original Tulip Oil Painting
Handmade in Vermont, USA by Olivia Piepmeier at Piep Press
Nia – Purpose
If you’re like some of us, art gives you a sense of purpose. So does nature. So do flowers. Heck, people throughout history have thought so: to be artful is to live.
The visible texture of this painting will make it an especially striking addition to your wall.
“Bubble Pop” Quilting Kits
Handmade in California, USA by Sandy Klop at American Jane Patterns
Kuumba – Creativity
Let’s not just appreciate art. (Though do appreciate art.) Let’s create.
For the day of kuumba, pick up a new craft with one of these quilting kits. You can choose from a number of patterns in this listing depicting bright colors and playful imagery that “pops”.
Serving Bowl
Handmade in Arizona, USA by k2c Creations
Imani – Faith
Faith is a difficult principle to pin down. Faith in community. Faith in self. Faith in the future. Faith in one’s religion. We ultimately decided to make a suggestion for karamu, Kwanzaa’s final day feast—something that celebrates all of it.
We hope that you have a wonderful time sharing food and laughter and stories over this handmade porcelain dish.
Artisans Cooperative is a growing handmade marketplace for an inclusive network of online creatives: in short, a co-op alternative to Etsy. Check out more gift guides, or browse the marketplace directly, to find more handmade gems and support our artisans.