Beyond the carpets

 

Those carpets born through my roots : my name is Patrizia, I'm the founder of Nakambe. I was born into a family of textile artisans in northern Italy and I grew up surrounded by spools, threads, knots and colours. My early work consisted of arranging colours, unspooling threads, and knotting them. When my father’s business closed, I finished my studies in international cooperation and began working in the humanitarian sector in Sub- Saharan Africa.

There I discovered wax prints, pagnes and capulane: once again, colours and intertwined patterns, which are nothing more than places, people and lives.

Whilst working in the Central African Republic, I asked a lady to teach me how to make carpets with african wax, inspired by those in her shop. I started by making a few for myself, then for my sisters, and soon for friends. Slowly, the pieces became more balanced, more beautiful, less uneven.

At some point, a question took shape: what if this became my work?

 

 

What's the meaning of Nakambe?

Nakambe born after the approval of the project form the National Penitentiary Service of Mozambique and it means ‘again’ in Xangana, a language native to southern Mozambique.

Because in crochet you repeat the same stitch thousands of times, and because in life we all need to start over.

Today, Nakambe works with seven women detained in a prison in Maputo, and then me and Aurora, who supervise the work and keep the craftswomen’s spirits up.

Buying a carpet

By choosing this piece, you directly support a  woman in a Mozambican prison. Your contribution allows them to earn a fair wage and maintain their dignity through meaningful work.

You don't just buy a carpet; you can support a journey of empowerment.

......(to be updated)