Amani Ya Juu Unity Quilt

In Nairobi, we visited the Amani Ya Juu cooperative, "where peace is sewn through the eye of a needle".  Amani Ya Juu is Swahili for "higher peace".  It is a training, sewing, and production centre for marginalized and refugee women from throughout Eastern and Central Africa. 

Together, they had produced a unity quilt, illustrating how reconcilation is traditionally celebrated in their homelands. 

I was immediately drawn to the square representing Rwanda, having spent some time there years ago.  When there is a dispute, the elders talk first with the representatives from each group.  Here the problem is exposed.  When the dispute is settled, everyone drinks banana or sorghum beer from one pot on the ground which has many straws in it.  The drink is provided by the one who is found guilty.  Everyone drinks at the same time from the long straws in the pot.  Afterwards, everyone hugs each other to show that the problem is solved.

The square representing Kenya features a rooster. When a rift occurs between two families and they are unable to resolve it themselves, the elders are called to act as mediators. The one who is found to be in the wrong is required to give out a young goat or rooster to be slaughtered. The elders collect special leaves which are dipped in water. The elders sprinkle each family member with this water to cleanse and purify them. The chicken is shared between the two families and then a large meal is prepared for the families and community.