Women in the Kisii district of Kenya design and handcraft each label using dried banana leaves from their farms. They individually hand cut, roll, and lacquer long, triangular strips of recycled magazines to make the paper beads, and twist dried banana leaves to make the twine. Whenever their daily chores can be set aside—fetching water, tending the gardens, caring for their children and grandchildren—these women gather together, under a tree, outside one another's homes, and create these one-of-a-kind prints and beads. In their village of Tabaka, it is especially difficult for women to find employment, as the men control the local soapstone-carving industry. Currently over 40 women, 8 of them widows with children and 10 of them grandparents supporting grandchildren, are making artwork for the Ajiri Tea Company.
A video of the Tabakan Women's Group receiving the first payment for handmade labels, twines, and beads.