published 2006written by Antje Förstle, founder of MOTO Zanzibar and DADA Zanzibar
contact: dada@dadazanzibar.net
” This book is the result of several years effortdeveloping skills for products from a typicalZanzibari craft aimed at an international highmarket.
These efforts match with the long-term
vision of the Department of Commercial Crops,
Fruits and Forestry (DCCFF) and that of MOTO
Cooperatives Network, which seek balancing
the need for poverty reduction at household level
and the sustainable utilisation of the natural resources.
Using materials illustrated in this book
MOTO has reaffirmed how the Wild Date Palm(Phoenix reclinata) can best be used to producean environmentally friendly craft, the ukili,particularly when prepared using solar energy.
Through these and the mobilisation of women
groups by DCCFFa large number of households
around Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
are now benefiting from the increasing demand
of the ukili products in Zanzibar Stone Town
and overseas.
Apparently, there is very little reference to thiscraft, and the realisation of this book is thetestimony to the wealth of skills among thewomen of Zanzibar.
Undoubtedly, the book shall provide
a good reference to some of the superb
plaiting patterns, which otherwise were consid-
ered non-existing in the coastal areas of Tanzania.
Over the last five years I have witnessed the
improvement of ukili products and designs to
which the author of this book, Antje Förstle,
has put personal initiatives. I would like to take
this opportunity to express my gratitude to her.
Now that the finest ukili patterns of the
Tanzanian coast have been documented, let’s
make the best use of it! “
DR. BAKARI S. ASSEIDDirector– Department of Commercial Crops,Fruits and Forestry, Zanzibar.” … By sponsoring this book ‘Ukili Plaiting inZanzibar’ the Embassy has broken new ground:that of documenting a threatened culturalheritage.
The decision to support Antje Förstle’s
project idea was easy, thanks to her convincing
concept and catching enthusiasm. During
her research, it quickly became obvious that
a preoccupation with the ‘ukili’ plaiting craft
of the Swahili, which is in danger of being lost,
can last years and that the findings can fill
volumes, especially as ‘ukili’ has barely been
documented up to-date.
With this book, you hold the results of a year’scommitted research combined with numerousjourneys along the Tanzanian Swahili coastand to the islands of Unguja, Pemba and Mafia,as well as visits to the museum archives andlibraries in Munich and London.
May the book awaken in you the wish to experience for
yourself the ‘ukili’ diversity of colours and patterns
in Tanzania. By purchasing this book, you have
already rendered a contribution to the conservation
of this craft as the entire proceeds will go
towards the conservation and continued mediation
of old plaiting techniques, which are unfortunately
threatened by extinction.”
WOLFGANG RINGEAmbassador of the Federal Republic of GermanyDar es Salaam
The book ‘UKILI Plaiting in Zanzibar’ is available at the MOTO and DADA shop, Hurumzi Street 416, Stonetown, Zanzibar
Interested? But not in Zanzibar? Please send a mail to: dada@dadazanzibar.net
Having done a bit of research on Zaramo basketry and matmaking in the 1980s, I am very interested in your project and in this publication. Is there a distributor in the US, or is there some other way I can obtain a copy?
i would love to buy a copy of the book- ukili- the art of plaiting in zanzibar.
i am currently researching african plaited braids at the rca, london, and working on a project in uganda. really interested in the varieties and where it all started.
I am interested in buying this ‘The Art of Plaiting in Zanzibar’, but I live in UK and was wondering if there was a chance it could be sent to me somehow? I need it quite urgently for some research.
Please let me know what you can do!
I am really into your project.Is there any way to get this book at UK?On the way to conduct the research regarding ‘Design and branding strategy for Swahili craft’,i would like to have your book for research.Please let me know;)
Hello Antje – this after years – but looking through the Moto plaited products – oh wow!!!! congratulations to all of you for achieving these fabulous results. is it still possible to get a copy of your book on plaiting? lots to swap news about – my email is below
sorry for ‘years late’ reply. if you are still interested in the book, we may send it to you, depends where you live … please write to dada@dadazanzibar.net
Hello
We are in Zanzibar on holiday near jozani forest and could call at the workshop on our way to the airport on Saturday. Do you have the Ukili plaiting book there and how much is it please.
Thank you
sorry for ‘years late’ reply. if you are still interested in the book, we may send it to you, depends where you live … please write to dada@dadazanzibar.net
Over a hundred women and men are organised in the MOTO network.
MOTO products are hand-made from 100% natural palm leaf and cotton. Solar cookers and energy saving stoves are used in the production process. MOTO products are unique originals, crafted by skilled Zanzibari artisans.
With your purchase you value an ancient Swahili tradition, support Community Trade, and contribute to a sustainable local Eco-nomy.
Please visit our shop in Zanzibar, Stone Town, Hurumzi Str. 416 and our community workshop and crafts museum in Pete.
April 5, 2010 at 12:32 am |
Having done a bit of research on Zaramo basketry and matmaking in the 1980s, I am very interested in your project and in this publication. Is there a distributor in the US, or is there some other way I can obtain a copy?
March 2, 2011 at 8:30 pm |
i would love to buy a copy of the book- ukili- the art of plaiting in zanzibar.
i am currently researching african plaited braids at the rca, london, and working on a project in uganda. really interested in the varieties and where it all started.
June 5, 2011 at 9:57 am |
I am interested in buying this ‘The Art of Plaiting in Zanzibar’, but I live in UK and was wondering if there was a chance it could be sent to me somehow? I need it quite urgently for some research.
Please let me know what you can do!
Nicole Mitchell
August 27, 2011 at 3:43 pm |
I am really into your project.Is there any way to get this book at UK?On the way to conduct the research regarding ‘Design and branding strategy for Swahili craft’,i would like to have your book for research.Please let me know;)
Apart from that,your project is soooo fabulous:)
September 19, 2014 at 1:01 pm |
Hello Antje – this after years – but looking through the Moto plaited products – oh wow!!!! congratulations to all of you for achieving these fabulous results. is it still possible to get a copy of your book on plaiting? lots to swap news about – my email is below
October 21, 2016 at 1:21 am |
Please tell me how much the book is…i am in Zanzibar and would like to visit your workshop
February 27, 2018 at 7:22 am |
sorry for ‘years late’ reply. if you are still interested in the book, we may send it to you, depends where you live … please write to dada@dadazanzibar.net
November 16, 2016 at 7:08 pm |
Hello
We are in Zanzibar on holiday near jozani forest and could call at the workshop on our way to the airport on Saturday. Do you have the Ukili plaiting book there and how much is it please.
Thank you
February 27, 2018 at 7:22 am |
sorry for ‘years late’ reply. if you are still interested in the book, we may send it to you, depends where you live … please write to dada@dadazanzibar.net
February 26, 2018 at 10:54 pm |
Can i Gent the book iam in Portugal
saporitimanuel@gmail.com
February 27, 2018 at 7:18 am |
please write to dada@dadazanzibar.net. thanx