AKETEKETE
AKETEKETE
‘Aketekete’ It is an ode to the past and to never being forgotten. A connection to nature and its forms. To celebrate culture, origins and stories otherwise lost.
FOUNDED BY
Michael Nana Beyin Gyan & Maria Bernat Astorga
Aketekete is a newly started design brand based in Ghana known for their 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.
about aketekete
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: Basket weave, recycled jewelry, glass beads.
IMPACT: Create fair jobs for artisans making sure they are paid regularly with fair prices to help the development of the communities.
We value collaborating and connecting with creatives to design modern objects with age-old techniques by supporting artisan communities to make them.
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
Their baskets are created in the North of Ghana where the traditional weaving skills has passed down to subsequent generations over centuries.
Each basket can take between 3 and 10 days to be done. It requires different handcrafted processes where the straw is twisted, dyed and wove.
Tailor
Cotton or linen are some of the natural materials they decided to work with to create the linings, removable handle-cloth or others. This fabric sourced on the local markets are normally coming from over-stock or for old curtains, bedsheets and clothes. It’s sewn by their co-worker tailor Ayaa Adjei from Elmina.
we work with
communities of artisans
They base their production in different communities in Sumbrungu, Yikene, Zaare and Gambibigo where they’re mostly women working with us.
They share techniques, ideas, and inspiration and explore the process of creation as a team together with the designers. Their artisans are exceptionally talented and committed members of the team. Often they see their products pass through the hands of multiple artisans working in collaboration to deliver the finest final product.
Featured collection
Yina Necklace
Regular price 62.00 EUR
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In stock.
The necklace 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 being 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."
Colours: Rose/Green & Orange/Blue with 3 types of symbols.
Length 38-44 cm length
Material:
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Recycled Glass Beads crafted in Ghana
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24K Gold plated brass
Mini Ada Earrings
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 being 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."
Colours: Light blue, orange
Material:
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Glass Recycled Beads crafted in Ghana
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24K Gold plated brass hoop
Dimensions:
35mm hoop
Small Ayine Bag
Regular price 110.00 EUR
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In stock.
This bag by the Elmina based design brand Aketekete is handwoven by artisans in the communities in Sumbrungu located in Northern Ghana.
The founders, Maria and Micheal state about their brand: "Aketekete is the name of a traditional festival from Elmina (Ghana) in which rituals are performed to connect with ancestors and celebrate their roots. It is an ode to the past and to never being 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."
Material:
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Straw sourced in Ghana
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Hand-dyed tie dye cotton bag and cloth handle
Dimensions: W: 36 cm; H: 26 cm; B: 26 cm
Mini Ada Earrings 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 being 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."
Colours: Rosé and white blue striped pearls
Material:
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Glass Recycled Beads crafted in Ghana
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24K Gold plated brass hoop
Dimensions:
35mm hoop
