If people migrate, not only the person moves, but also his ‘baggage’ of culture, knowledge and behaviours. The migrant learns about his new country, but he also brings influences into this new homeland.  

 

In many countries crafts play a major role in society. These crafts are often passed on from generation to generation and is woven into the cultural identity of a group or community. A craft is unique, personal and handmade; these characteristics are becoming increasingly important in our future society. 

 

The products of mass production have become anonymous and impersonal. This needs to be changed! Awareness of the origins of products is increasing and transparency is getting more and more important. Products gain added value if you can learn about their backgrounds. Crafts are a perfect medium for this; it literally leaves a fingerprint behind. Besides that, handicrafts are an easy entrance to discover the cultural diversity in our society and to tell their story. In traditional context, practicing a craft is often anonymous, but Every Craft tells a Story focuses on the person behind the product, with his or her unique cultural background.

 

 

 

- MEET HONORATE -

 

Honorate is 56 years old and lives with her daughter in Zaltbommel. 17 years ago she was one of the first women who came to the Netherlands from Burundi. Many of her family still live there, including her brother and sister, who she visits occasionally. Together with her family in Burundi, she wants to set up a foundation to start an orphanage.

 

Honorate comes from a wealthy family. When she was 9 years old, her father was arrested because of vague political reasons. From that moment onwards, her life changed drastically and her family lost everything. She moved in with her grandparents on the countryside. Her grandfather had a large coffee plantation and won awards for best coffee several times. Before and after school Honorate had to work at the plantations, she barely had time to do her homework. In the Netherlands, she also has a garden where she grows corn and beans, originating from Burundi.

 

Honorate is Muslim, but comes from a Protestant family. In her youth she converted to Islam  because she did not agree with the church.

 

In Burundi, Muslims are seen as inferior. They are called 'skwahili', which means ‘someone who is not honest’. Even her family regards her as less because she is now a Muslim. 

 

“They see me as less because I am Muslim, but it does not matter to me.”

 

In Burundi, Muslims were discriminated heavily and only allowed to attend school until 8th grade. Some Muslims, therefore, gave their children a Christian name, the only way for them to continue studying, but most ended up learning a handicraft as there was no other option. 

 

In the Netherlands Honorate learned to stand up for herself. In Burundi, most men decide everything and the women accept that, now she cannot stand that anymore. But still, if she had the choice, she would return to Burundi. She misses the warmth of people. In Burundi, your neighbours are considered family. Here, she hardly knows anyone living around her. 

 

“In the Netherlands I learned to look people in their eyes while talking to them. In Burundi that is considered disrespectful. I have never looked at my father like this."

 

The Muslim community often use henna on their body. In particular during special occasions such as a wedding, graphical drawings with henna are regarded a beauty ideal. 

 

“I learned to embroider by watching those around me.”

 

Honorate has always worked a lot with her hands. She learned to embroider by watching those around her, who she tried to imitate until it was perfect.

 

In Burundi, Honorate made many clothes to sell and gave sewing lessons. In the Netherlands, she only makes clothes for herself. Somethimes she uses the colourful Vlisco fabrics to create beautiful African dresses. 

 

- THE MOBILE APP -