Sunday, November 9, 2014

Kalimba Gourd Thumb Piano




The kalimba gourd thumb piano is a signature African instrument. The one shown here is made in Burkina Faso; but thumb pianos are also made in many other African countries as well. Also known as a thumb piano, the kalimba (kuh-LIM-buh) is derived from the more complex South African mbira, and is played by plucking the keys with the thumbs of each hand whilst holding the gourd body in the palms.

This instrument is an essential part of life in most African countries. During festivals, weddings, and other major events the kalimba will accompany the singer for a unforgettable sound. The sound created is very melodic and resonant. The kalimba is made from a hollowed out gourd, and there are seven metal keys attached on the top. The metal keys are often times made of old spoon handles, bicycle spokes, or spring wire that was cut and hammered to the desired shape. Each key is adjustable so you can tune the instrument according to your preferences by sliding the key in or out. Our kalimba features:
  
  • Solid wood top mounted on a strong, rounded gourd base
  • 7-9 adjustable metal keys securely mounted on a metal bridge
  • One or two holes in the top for amplification and resonance
  • Durable handmade construction
  • Imported directly from Burkina Faso
  • Exact design may vary from photos to include wood-burned artwork on gourd.


Click here to order your very own kalimba today !!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Beaded Wire Animals from Zimbabwe


These beaded animal figurines are finely sculpted, intricately detailed, from wire and small glass beads by the Shona artists in Zimbabwe. Each piece is the culmination of many hours of highly skilled work, patience and dedication. These beaded figurines bear a striking resemblance to their counterparts that roam the wild. 







These unique figurines are created by men and women from the surrounds of Mbare, Harare, giving them a platform for their bead work skills, as well as the means to support themselves and their families.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Unrefined African Shea Butter





What Is African Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a natural plant extract that is derived from the nut of the Karite Tree - the Shea Nut.The karate tree grows throughout West Africa. The name Karite means the Tree of Life, as a result of the many important uses Shea Butter provides to the people of this region.


Shea Butter has been used for centuries due to its amazing ability to renew, repair and protect the skin. Our 100% Pure African Shea Butter is unique because of its high content of non-saponifiable fats, which acts as a natural skin moisturizer due to its exceptional healing properties for the skin. Our Unrefined  African Shea Butter, which is completely unrefined, organic, and extremely high in Vitamins A, E & F, enhances cell regeneration and capillary circulation. Shea Butter has exceptional moisturizing properties which provide the skin with all the essential elements it needs for balance, elasticity and tone.


Our 100%  African Shea Butter can be used to treat all of the following conditions:



  • Calms and heals eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis break outs
  • Used as a moisturizer for dry skin on face and body
  • Speeds up healing of sunburn and prevents peeling
  • Minimizes scars
  • Provides relief for muscle aches & fatigue, Arthritis & Rheumatism
  • Stops itching from insect bites (also, antibacterial to protect from infection)
  • Soften dry, cracked skin on heels and elbows
  • Soothes and speeds up healing of cuts, scrapes and burns
  • Softens cuticles
  • Can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Prevents and provides relief from diaper rash and infant eczema
  • Prevents and Fades stretch marks, skin blemishes and wrinkles
  • Used as a natural shaving agent
  • Protects from windburn, razor burn and chapped skin
  • Reduces joint pain and swelling
  • Deep conditioning hair treatment and prevents dandruff when used on the scalp
  • Natural sun protection of 4-5 SPF (from Vitamins E and F)
To order our African Shea butter Click Here
For scented Shea butter Click Here.



Monday, September 29, 2014

Giraffe Carved Painted Wood Animal Sculptures



           


The giraffe is an animal that brings to your mind the savanna-jungle area of Africa. These hand carved wooden figures are sure to add a unique, exotic touch to your home. They are small enough to fit on any desk, stand or table. Our giraffe statues are large enough to be noticed and admired. We have giraffes hand carved by artists in Zimbabwe and Kenya. Each of our giraffe statues pictured are unique items. No two will look exactly alike. Most of the artisans use the wood from the jacaranda tree to carve these beautiful statues then use paint for color.








In African culture, giraffe's are believed to see far into the future, and have the ability to reach things that are unreachable to others, communication, intuition, ability to remain above the fray . Some cultures believe that giraffes help us see our lives in a way that is both grounded and expansive and that in our longing to evolve spiritually.



   

The giraffe is the tallest of all animals. They grow up to 18 feet high, with necks as long as 7 feet. Though giraffes may seem to some to lack grace because of their long limbs, their weight is well distributed within their bodies, and they are only vulnerable when bending down to drink water. 
Giraffes are able to go for long periods of time without drinking water even up to a month. 

Their long necks offer protection by enabling them to see very far. Their powerful bodies help protect them and their young. The giraffe’s strong body represents being grounded in physical existence and their ability to see symbolizes spiritual vision. 

                               Click Here To Buy Your Giraffe Statue Today!


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Neem Oil for Skin and Hair Problems



Having trouble with dry, itchy scalp? Do you have embarrassing pimples on your skin? Are you tired of squeezing out the blackheads or irritated with dry skin? Most people deal with these problems time and time again. Most people though turn to cosmetics to try to figure out a solution. Neem oil is a natural product that has many beauty benefits that often go unnoticed. You will be surprised to know that a simple thing like applying Neem oil to your problem areas is an effective way to deal with these issues.
Neem oil has been used medicinally for years mostly in India. Neem bark, leaves, fruit, seeds and oils all contain medicinal qualities. Many of these qualities play an important role in healthy skin and hair care. Scientific studies have shown Neem to have properties such as:

Antiviral – inhibits the growth of viruses
Anti-fungal – inhibits the growth of fungi
Antibacterial – destroying the growth of bacteria
Analgesic – providing pain relief
Anti-inflammatory – reduce certain signs of inflammation, swelling or tenderness
Antimicrobial -destroying the growth of microorganisms

Neem Oil for Hair
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of Neem are helpful in treating scalp conditions. Neem oil is a natural hair cleanser which naturally cleans the hair while ridding you of any itchy, painful sensations. Neem oil also aids in hair growth.

How to apply Neem Oil
· Massage Neem oil on your hair roots without breaking your hair strands. This will take care of your hair thinning problems as well.
· You can also add a few drops of the Neem oil to your shampoo. Using this combination will help relieve itchy scalp and it also helps control dandruff.

Because of its wide variety of uses, Neem oil can be used as is or together with other natural and essential oils, for example, Tea Tree Oil and Shea Butter .You can also add lavender and Rosemary essential oils to the Neem oil to add a delicate floral fragrance.

To purchase your Neem Oil today Click Here

Other Neem products: Neem Toothpaste, Neem Soap, Chew Sticks (Licorice Roots)