Global Team for Local Initiatives Helping People Help Themselves

Shikinee: Traditional Hamar Beadwork

The Hamar are known for their abundant beadwork – chokers, bracelets, anklets, necklaces. . . as well as beaded adornments on their goatskin clothing. Now women in GTLI’s microenterprise program are taking those products to the "outside world." They are learning to produce beadwork that meets western quality standards, learning to access western markets, and developing the literacy and basic business skills that will enable them to run successful beading businesses. They use the money they earn from beading to buy food.                                                                     

                                                                            Below: Eso works with Margaret Mueller, GTLI's beading consultant, to learn western quality standards                 

Purchase Hamar beadwork at our Gift Shop. Proceeds go directly to Hamar beaders.