Made in North East Kenya

At knitting group today, my friend Ann bought these mats to show us which were gifted to her by a young woman called Binto. She is from North East Kenya and came to stay with Ann's teenage daughters as part of an exchange programme.

She told us a lot about the (less obvious) cultural differences which was fascinating. Apparently the thing Binto found most puzzling and hilarious was the fact that they keep Guinea Pigs in a cage. She was astonished that they had paid anything for them, let alone £15. She laughed and said, 'in my country - ' and made a chopping gesture. The thought that we would pay for them, cuddle and coddle them, keep them in special little houses and kiss and pet them was quite astonishing to her! Every time they went near any green or open spaces Binto would ask, 'are there any dangerous animals in there?', being used to such things at home. No wonder Guinea Pigs seem hilarious.

When she left she gave Ann these mats which were handmade by her mother and grandmother. They are beautifully made with really intricate patterns and very pretty.