🪨 Kenya, East Africa
In the lush green hills of Tabaka, Kisii County, Western Kenya, beautiful soapstone is found in a stunning range of colours—from deep gold and rich burgundy to pale pink and jet black. Each piece carries a unique blend of tones, shaped by nature and time.
⛏️ Raw stones are excavated by hand from local quarries and carried to cooperative workshops. There, artisans cut them into workable sizes before using a kisu (small knife) to carve intricate designs. Each item is polished, hand-painted if needed, and sealed with beeswax. Delicate patterns are incised to reveal the stone’s natural beauty.
🎨 Alongside stone carving, skilled wood turners, jewellery-makers, and basket-weavers craft original, high-quality Fair Trade gifts—each one a joy to own and share.
❤️ Every item purchased directly supports the talented craftspeople of Kisii and their families—especially in providing access to education and medical care.
🗿 Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
The Shona people of Zimbabwe have been creating art for nearly a thousand years, with a global reputation for their extraordinary work in stone sculpture. Each piece carries echoes of ancestral wisdom, spirituality, and connection to the land.
🔁 Alongside stonework, we offer a range of items crafted by Shona artisans using recycled wood and metal—transforming everyday materials into objects of beauty and meaning.
🌍 Senegal, West Africa
Our partners in the Artisan’s Village on Senegal’s West Coast draw on generations of experience to craft stunning handmade wooden carvings—from expressive masks and animal figures to abstract and traditional designs.
🥁 Master drum-makers create hand-crafted Djembe drums, renowned for their quality and tone. Senegalese Djembes are favoured by professional drummers and are hugely popular in UK schools for their vibrant sound and cultural richness.
🎨 We also source beaded jewellery, African wall-hangings, colourful throws, baskets, and fashion pieces—many made exclusively for The Friendly Trading Company and unavailable anywhere else outside Africa.
🤝 Every item purchased helps artisans reach beyond their local markets. We re-order directly from the skilled craftspeople who made them, ensuring ongoing support and sustainable trade.
As always, its the people who count the most and who we are privileged to work with.
