Kayana Twapika

Kayana was born in 1976 in Etsha 13. She had to leave school when she became pregnant, and although she still has a relationship with the child's father, she lives with her mother in Etsha 6.

Kayana learned weaving from her mother at the age of 14. Although she prefers to weave closed baskets, they take too long to complete so she usually weaves open ones. In 2000 she facilitated a weaving workshop at Sa-Tau village to help others improve their weaving. She likes to experiment with different shapes of baskets, and has woven a basket with corners, which worked well.

When she first began selling her baskets she bought herself food, clothing and shoes but later was able to help her elder sister buy clothes for her children.

Her main problem is a lack of sufficient raw materials, and the unreliability of the people who sell them. She is scared to go collecting herself because of the wild animals. Most people who live in Etsha do not view wildlife as fascinating fauna to admire like the tourists do, but as dangerous and ferocious creatures. Some wild animals, particularly elephants, can cause havoc in the villages and sometimes destroy entire fields of crops.

Kayana enjoys weaving and is proud of her baskets.