AKETEKETE
AKETEKETE
We value collaborating and connecting with creatives to design modern objects with age-old techniques by supporting artisan communities to make them."
FOUNDED BY
Michael Nana Beyin Gyan & Maria Bernat Astorga
Aketekete is a newly started design brand based in Ghana known for its signature handmade baskets, bags, and jewelry. They work closely with local artisan communities in the design and production process, only using natural fibers for their bags & baskets and recycled & locally sourced beads for the jewelry.
MEET
4 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES
TEAM: 4 full-time employees.
LOCATION: Accra, Ghana.
MATERIALS: Straw, 24k gold plated brass, sterling silver, brass, recycled glass, over-stock / upcycled cotton or linen.
TECHNIQUE: Basketweave, recycled jewelry, glass beads.
IMPACT: Create fair jobs for artisans by assuring a regular income and fair prices to help the development of the communities.
our design
Jewelry & Bead Makers
Aketekete partners closely with the jewelry masters Mohammed and Erick and also the jewelry student Ayisi, all based in Accra, to create the metal parts from all their jewelry. From the medal of their necklace to their earrings hoops, all the pieces are handcrafted combining traditional and new techniques to create what they desire.
The familiar Ghanaian beads, made with recycled glass, are crafted exclusively by the Krobo tribe, located in Ghana's Eastern Region.
Basket Weavers
Our baskets are created in the North of Ghana, where the traditional weaving skills have been passed down to subsequent generations over centuries.
Each basket can take between 3 and 10 days to be finished. It requires different handcrafted processes where the straw is twisted, dyed, and wove. For this reason, each basket will have the unique fingerprint of our artisan.
Tailor
Cotton or linen are some of the natural materials we decided to work with to create the linings, removable handle cloth, or others. This fabric, sourced in the local markets, comes normally from over-stock or old curtains, bed sheets, and clothes; sewn by our co-worker tailor Ayaa Adjei from Elmina.
we work with
communities of artisans
We base our production in different communities in Sumbrungu, Yikene, Zaare, and Gambibigo where mostly women work with us.
They share techniques, ideas, and inspiration; with the designers, they explore the creative process as a team. Our artisans are exceptionally talented and committed members. Often, we see our products pass through the hands of multiple artisans working in collaboration to deliver the finest final product.
Ada Mini Hoops — Rosé
Regular price 40.00 EUR
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In stock.
These earrings are handmade by the Ghanaian jewelry design brand Aketekete founded by Michael Nana Beyin Gyan and Maria Bernat Astorga in Elmina.
Maria and Micheal state about their brand: "Aketekete is the name of a traditional festival from Elmina in which rituals are performed to connect with ancestors and celebrate their roots. It is an ode to the past and to never be forgotten. A connection to nature and its forms. To celebrate culture, origins and stories otherwise lost. We value collaborating and connecting with creatives to design modern objects with age-old techniques by supporting artisan communities to make them."
Size: 35 mm diameter.
Colors: light blue, orange, yellow, green, rosé, and dark blue.
Material: recycled glass beads crafted in Ghana, 24K gold-plated brass hoop.
Yina Necklace — Rose Green Maame
Regular price 62.00 EUR
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In stock.
The necklace is handmade by the Ghanaian jewelry design brand Aketekete founded by Michael Nana Beyin Gyan and Maria Bernat Astorga in Elmina.
Maria and Micheal state about their brand: "Aketekete is the name of a traditional festival from Elmina in which rituals are performed to connect with ancestors and celebrate their roots. It is an ode to the past and to never be forgotten. A connection to nature and its forms. To celebrate culture, origins, and stories otherwise lost. We value collaborating and connecting with creatives to design modern objects with age-old techniques by supporting artisan communities to make them."
Size: length 38-44 cm.
Material: recycled glass beads crafted in Ghana, 24K gold-plated brass.
Color: rose green, blue orange, black & white, green burgundy.
Ada Mini Hoops — Blue / Orange
Regular price 40.00 EUR
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In stock.
These earrings are handmade by the Ghanaian jewelry design brand Aketekete founded by Michael Nana Beyin Gyan and Maria Bernat Astorga in Elmina.
Maria and Micheal state about their brand: "Aketekete is the name of a traditional festival from Elmina in which rituals are performed to connect with ancestors and celebrate their roots. It is an ode to the past and to never be forgotten. A connection to nature and its forms. To celebrate culture, origins and stories otherwise lost. We value collaborating and connecting with creatives to design modern objects with age-old techniques by supporting artisan communities to make them."
Size: 35 mm diameter.
Colors: light blue, orange
Material: glass recycled beads crafted in Ghana, 24k gold-plated brass hoop.
Ada Mini Hoops — Multicolor
Regular price 40.00 EUR
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In stock.
These earrings are handmade by the Ghanaian jewelry design brand Aketekete founded by Michael Nana Beyin Gyan and Maria Bernat Astorga in Elmina.
Maria and Micheal state about their brand: "Aketekete is the name of a traditional festival from Elmina in which rituals are performed to connect with ancestors and celebrate their roots. It is an ode to the past and to never be forgotten. A connection to nature and its forms. To celebrate culture, origins and stories otherwise lost. We value collaborating and connecting with creatives to design modern objects with age-old techniques by supporting artisan communities to make them."
Size: 35 mm diameter.
Colors: light blue, orange, yellow, green, rosé, and dark blue.
Material: recycled glass beads crafted in Ghana, 24K gold-plated brass hoop.