Necklaces One
Necklaces Two
Necklaces Three
Bracelets

Ordering

Press and Publicity

Contact:

Jane Wilner
2501 M Street NW #717
Washington, DC 20037
202 223-6733

umoja@jane.wilner.com

Note:

All of the models shown on this site wearing Umoja necklaces volunteered their time to this project, as did the photographer.

These beautiful items are as unique as the history behind them. This is the story of resourceful, courageous women taking their traditional craft to high fashion. The design for this jewelry developed out of an artisan program conducted by Vital Voices, a non-governmental organization based in the United States.

Through this mentoring program, the women learned how to craft their jewelry in design and color to appeal to the US market.

However, the most popular style remains the one that preserves the color combinations found in their traditional ceremonial jewelry as you can see from the pictures.

Umoja is located in a remote area in northern Kenya. The items are all hand-made of glass beads by women from the Samburu tribe who fled abusive lives to settle in the violence-free zone they call Umoja.

No grown men live there. It is unique from its neighboring tribes because in Umoja the women rule and enjoy complete independence to shape their own lives. Umoja means unity in Swahili. Their village is a testament to what can be accomplished when women are unified in strength and purpose and community. And so we call this jewelry Umoja.

I am a retired designer, manufacturer, and retailer of high-end home textile products. I jointed the Vital Voices Artisan Team and mentored the African women who participated in this program. My goal is to provide the Umoja women with a sustainable means of income through the sale of their jewelry.

All the proceeds from these sales go directly back to the village. It maintains a joint village fund that is used to maintain and develop their school, their shop, and their community center where leadership training and crafts take place.

We have recently expanded our offerings to include smaller necklaces and bracelets, at very reasonable prices. Beaded bangle bracelets are priced at $12.

The large necklaces which continue to be the majority of our offerings are priced at $100. They measure approximately 26" from end to end. The length can be adjusted by twisting the necklace to coil into a "boa of beads," or they can be allowed to lie flat and drape down the neck. Each has a beaded toggle closure.

Each necklace is unique, and is available subject to prior sale. Shipment is via UPS from Washington, DC. Items ship in two or three business days. Out-of-stock designs can be special-ordered with a wait of two to three weeks.

Jane Wilner                  Umoja Beaded Jewelry                 Washington, DC 20037