Whenever I visit my family in Uganda including my grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, I always come back with a straw mat or mukeka (pronounced moo-kay-ka) in Luganda, their gift to me to take back to America.
A mukeka is a traditional Ugandan straw mat that has been elaborately woven together using dried, dyed palm tree straw fiber. They’re traditionally placed on the floor so people can kneel or sit crossed legged on them or they can be used as decor.
When I was younger and started to amass a good collection of them, I never truly appreciated them. Now that I’m older and I’m realizing how unique they are to who I am, my culture, heritage and family, they mean that much more. I use them as decor in my home and my sister uses them as a play mat for her baby boy Tendo (which means “precious” in Luganda).
No 2 mats are the same as each one has it’s own intricate design and pattern. Don’t you just love the vibrant color in each one of these?
These are beautiful mats; can you connect me to a supplier who can ship. Thanks
Love your palm tree mat where can I buy one I am in South Africa
Are these for sales ??
I have some for sale! I know this post was 3 years ago but if you are still interested please let me know!
Haha! No they’re from home Uganda
I love those. We have the same thing in Ghana and I remember having to learn how to make them in Junior Secondary School (middle school).
Thanks for sharing Stella! What do you call them in Ghana?