I am an Amazigh artisan.
I reflexively engage in the creation of mixed media art, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich Amazigh crafts·wo·manship . With each piece I craft, I aim to express the essence of Amazigh identity, history, and traditions, allowing these elements to stay alive in a contemporary and meaningful way.
Drawing from my ancestry and upbringing, I amalgamate various mediums and materials, blending traditional and modern techniques. My work incorporates ancestral symbols and patterns meant to protect and inspire. The interplay of colors, textures, and forms within my art mirrors the diverse landscapes and cultural nuances of the Amazigh people. Every creation is a labor of love and a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the Amazigh people. Through my art, I aim to challenge colonial oppressions and showcase the vibrancy and dynamism of the Amazigh culture despite all the imperialist attempts to erase it.
The Amazigh heritage is that of a rich history dating back thousands of years, characterized by a deep connection to the land, a reverence for nature, and a profound sense of community. My art is grounded in these fundamental values, acting as a bridge between the past and the present, between older and younger generations. My hope is that by exploring these artistic expressions, people will not only appreciate the aesthetics but also gain a deeper understanding of the Amazigh people, their struggles, triumphs, and the enduring spirit that we carry forward into the future. As an Amazigh artisan, I am committed to preserving and celebrating the legacy of my ancestors.
AMAZIGH IDENTITY
The Amazigh people are the indigenous population of North Africa. Their presence can be traced back 20,000 years. They can be found across a vast region extending from the Atlantic shores to East Africa (Egypt and Libya), and from the Mediterranean coast to the sub-Saharan area (Mali, Sudan, Mauritania). Over the centuries, they have established great dynasties that have left a lasting impact, such as the Almoravids (1055-1147), Almohads (1147-1269) and the Merinids (1248-1465). The Imazighen (plural form of Amazigh) comprise a significant portion of the North African population. Additionally, there exists an important Amazigh diaspora in other African countries and in Europe, particularly in former colonizing nations such as France and Spain. The Imazighen have withstood numerous invasions, occupations, and colonizations, such as those by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, French, and Spanish. Throughout these tumultuous periods, they have managed to preserve their cultural identity with great resilience and vitality.
MY ART PHILOSOPHY
I strive to preserve and celebrate my indigenous culture amidst the various systems of oppression and domination that have attempted to erase it. As an Amazigh woman and the daughter of immigrants, I have experienced the expectation of assimilating into European White societies, particularly in France.
Nevertheless, over time, I have come to recognize the immense richness, value, and significance of my cultural heritage, both in its own right and for myself personally. Many individuals from my generation are striving to decolonize their minds and practices. We are collectively and individually working towards freeing ourselves from the oppressive systems of white supremacy and colonialism, and reconnecting with our ancestral roots and heritage. This movement of reclamation is an integral part of our collective and ancestral healing.
KAID CREATIONS
KAÏD creations is an online shop where one can explore a diverse range of handcrafted artistic creations, crafts, and jewelry that bear the indelible influence of my Amazigh heritage. My mission is to merge elements of tradition with contemporaneity, ensuring the perpetual vibrancy and relevance of Amazigh philosophy and symbolism. I aim to cultivate a sense of unity and pride in my indigenous culture, while inspiring a reclamation of our communal heritage. Within KAÏD creations, every artifact is thoughtfully designed, meticulously produced using a variety of mediums, and bears deep cultural significance. I firmly believe in the power of crafts·wo·manship to both preserve and communicate meaningful traditions. With dedication to both fidelity and creativity, every piece from KAÏD creations is designed with intentionality to showcase the diversity of the Amazigh culture and the unity of the Imazighen across the world. It is rooted in a panafricanist and pan-Indigenous perspective.
Samira Ibnelkaïd 