Lily Lily!

Home » Showcase » Cream/Plum Junior Cattle Bag

Cream/Plum Junior Cattle Bag

$165.00 $75.00

• 
• 

• 
• 

The Junior is the smaller sibling to the Cattle Bag.  This fabulous 100% leather bag tells the story of the nomadic cattle herder.  Cattle are branded with traditional clan markings and when making these bags, we try to use leather that has these symbols.  Since the herders are frequently on the move, they do not carry heavy musical instruments.  Their music consists of singing accompanied by the sound of the women rubbing their bracelets together.  So, for these Junior Cattle Bags, the women’s bracelets were converted into the metalwork on the bag.

Note: Each bag is unique and one-of-a-kind with various traditional markings on the front, sides or back of the bag. The leather used is dyed and not top-sprayed to show the natural beauty and variation in the leather. Also, this means that leather of this quality will naturally patina over time and will gain more beauty and character over the years. The leather of these Junior Cattle Bags loves use and time.

Dimensions:
9” width, 12” height, 2” depth at top, 5” depth at bottom
46” adjustable strap

« Return to the Showcase page

The Amias Project - Fabulous Accessories "From a land far, far away..."

For centuries, the nomadic Barabaig tribe of East Africa has roamed the plains and savannas, adorning themselves with beautiful rings, bracelets, and jewelry. Through the Amias Project, the Barabaig now want to send their beautiful things and their stories around the world.

A herding, Nilo-Cushitic culture, the nomadic Barabaig migrated from the Horn of Africa to the Great Rift Valley about 3,000 years ago, settling in what is now Tanzania. They have long been a feared rival to the well-known Maasai tribe. While wealthy in cattle and spirit, the Barabaig have struggled against increasing hardship and opposition to their traditional culture. Now they seek ways to both advance themselves and to save that culture.

On one return to Tanzania, Nichole Smaglick, founder of Amias, was reunited with a wise, old Barabaig woman named Udada. She gave Nichole a bracelet and told her, “When you go home, use this to tell others about me.” With that, the idea of Amias was born.

Since then, the project has mobilized over 200 Barabaig men and women in central Tanzania to design and craft jewelry and handbags inspired by traditional fashions. The project aims to uplift and empower traditional culture. It also helps generate significant income and educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Amias and its fair trade mission have allowed families to find stability in a region wracked by hardship and frequent drought. More parents now send their children to school, and they have enough food in times of need. They are increasing their livestock and making plans for the future.

Amias, in the ancient language of the Barabaig, means “beautiful.” So when wearing Amias jewelry or handbags, always remember that you are wearing hope, the story of the Barabaig, and something beautiful.

We can’t think of a more worthy reason to wear these fabulous accessories! Not to mention that they are perfect for your Spring/Summer “safari” look.

Lily Lily! is proud to support The Amias Project by bringing you these amazing works of art.

Have a question about your order? Check out our store policies page for answers to the most commonly asked questions.