Preserving Tradition: A Family Legacy of Rangau Brass Casting in Nairobi, Kenya
In the heart of Rongai County in Nairobi, Kenya, resides a family dedicated to the art of brass casting.
Benta Awuor and the Art of Rangau Brass Casting
Benta Awuor, a skilled brass caster, and a family matriarch, takes immense pride in her work. With a focus on ethical fashion and sustainable practices, their craftsmanship has garnered local and international attention.
Benta and her extended family have been honing their skills as brass casters for over a decade. The art of brass casting has been passed down through generations, rooted in tradition and cultural heritage. By training the artisans within their own families, they ensure this ancient craft's preservation while empowering their loved ones with economic opportunities.
Benta and her family firmly believe that quality naturally follows when one loves their work. This commitment to excellence is evident in the exquisite brass pieces they produce.
Images of Vivienne Westwood Logo Brass Trims,
The Rangau Brass Casting business not only upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship but also embraces sustainable practices. The process of brass casting involves meticulous attention to detail, from the preparation of the molds to the pouring of molten brass and the intricate finishing touches. The Brass comes from upcycled metals that are melted and reformed into new designs, including jewelry and trims for accessories. Every step is carried out with care, resulting in stunning brass creations that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kenya.
How is Brass Casting done?
Brass casting is a process of creating objects by pouring molten brass into a mold and allowing it to cool and solidify. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is often chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Brass casting is commonly used for manufacturing a variety of items like sculptures, decorative objects, jewelry, and hardware. From https://blog.viviennewestwood.com
Empowering Artisans: Training and Sustainability in the Rangau Brass Casting Business
In our ongoing research about artisan makers around the world, we stumbled upon this great online resource called: Open Sourcemap.
where you can learn about where things come from & browse the world’s largest database of supply chain maps. You can register for a free account to start your own supply chain mapping. Check it out here.
Open Sourcemap states: The Rangau Self-Help Group is a brass workshop run by husband and wife duo, Anton and Benta. The workshop recycles scrap metals to make the brass pieces (locks, engine parts, valves, etc.)
Artisan Testimonial from Benta Awuor:
"I am a 38-year-old mother of seven and have four orphans whom I take care of. I decided to join my husband in performing this order so I could supplement the family income. I worked mostly in the furnace. I was very happy to work on the Vivienne Westwood order as it gave my family the money we need to settle legal fees for our son who is in his final year of secondary school and was involved in a serious indiscipline case. I pray that Vivienne Westwood continues to send us orders since all that we own now was largely procured through Vivienne Westwood's orders."
"The handmade nature of our accessories brings a natural variation to each product. In looking beyond the aesthetic qualities of the materials we use, we consider their social and environmental impacts, by means of ‘re-imagining waste’. For these pieces, local artisans recycled old car engine parts, taps, and padlocks from the local scrap yard. These metals were then melted down and cast into a mold to form the Vivienne Westwood logo, hardware, and buckles. The hardware used to finish the Made in Kenya accessories was handcrafted by Rangau Designers – a community team of brass artisans, based in Korogocho, one of the largest slum neighborhoods of Nairobi.“I am a blessed father of 4 children, and I have been part of the Rangau community for almost 3 years”, explains Artisan, Edwin Ochieng. “This job changed my life and the life of my family. I thank Artisan Fashion so much for providing us with work and I am looking forward to receiving more orders to create employment for more people.’’ From Viviennewestwood.com
We honor the artistry and craftsmanship of Benta Awuor and the Rangau Brass Casting family. Their work serves as a reminder that fashion can be a force for positive change, honoring tradition while embracing sustainability.
Thanks for reading today! Have other suggestions or questions? Reach out to let us know design@insidefashiondesign.net
Know someone who would like this article? Please share! If you enjoy our Meet-the-Makers series, I invite you to check out our Ethical Makers Marketplace, where we showcase brands working towards positive change within the industry and making a social and environmental impact.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know and see all our featured makers, along with industry insights & inspirations!
Know someone who would like this article? Please share & Follow us.
You can find us here:
