blackHERstory

iluvsouthernafrica:

Namibians wearing Vellies (Shoes)

“Velskoen, pronounced “fell-skoon” and known colloquially as “vellies,” are the ancestor of the modern-day desert boot. Vellies were first made in the 1600s, inspired by the footwear of the Khoikhoi tribe and crafted using raw materials. Later, our vellies were adapted by British travellers, packaged and renamed to be what we now know as desert boots.

(Brother Vellies) are made in the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia. There, a small group of eight Damara gentlemen assemble every shoe by hand, turning out just 20 pairs an afternoon.

…Vellies are made of vegetable-dyed Kudu leather. The Namibian government mandates the culling of these large native antelope to control their population. Kudu skin yields amazingly durable leather and suede that ages exceptionally well. Because these hides are taken from wild animals they often show scars or other “imperfections” that domesticated hides do not.” 

(via glovesinthesummertime)

vandalyzm:

meehighmeelo:

potatofarmgirl:

natashakline:

For all the artists out there. xoxo

I agree with Natasha!  Make stuff even if it HURTS! <3

Things I should remember

bingo.

(via chescaleigh)

palmofmyhands:

Ermias Ekube

Ermias Ekube was born in 1970, in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia. He co-founded the Asmara School of Fine Arts in 1994, the first of its kind after liberation, where he taught painting for one year. He enrolled for four years at the Addis Ababa College of Fine Arts and Design, studied painting, drawing, sculpture and graphics art, majoring painting (DFA in 1990). Besides giving short art work-shops and art courses, Ermias exhibitsregularly with 2D and 3D mediums in different techniques, in Asmara,  which inspires many contemporary young artists in the city.

Ermias currently lives and works in Nairobi.

See more of his artwork here.

(via amazelife)

terrencecosby:

^{Serge Ibaka}

Yes.

(via theuppitynegras)