Matukondjo Dolls project
Founded in 2004 by a Dutch Lady called Marjan van Heerdt, this group of 9 Ladies hailing
from Havana, as well as Okuryangava, Katutura, are still going strong.
By teaching the ladies the basics of anthroposofical rag dolls, they quickly added their own
African touch to it and transformed these dolls into genuine Namibian beauties.
There are 5 types of dolls:
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The Big Mama, a voluptuous lady with twin babies in her pockets
The Sister with Baby on Back, which points to the eldest child that always carries
around the youngest sibling in a backpack on her back
The Simple Doll Dress, a smaller sister with a pretty dress (for ages around 3-5)
The Back Baby, the youngest sibling on its own
The Twin Baby, one of the two on its own
All the dolls are made individually with cotton
pre-washed materials and made from scratch
by each lady. They add their on personal
touches to it and each doll has a distinct look.
Josephina, Drotea, Olivia, Mariana, Meriam,
Tusnerde, Aune, Magda and Alina all have
earned their own sewing machine and they
work from their own homes, thereby juggling
their families with producing up to 15 dolls per
month.
They finalize the project by putting their signature on each doll and a picture of herself is later
attached.
Once ready, they receive cash for their dolls and then the onus for marketing lies with their
mentor, Sonia Noirfalise. She is responsible for selling them to the public at the Namibia Craft
Center, but also to major stakeholders in the Tourism sector.
This is an example of true empowerment whereby previously disadvantaged ladies are
supported in their own self-sufficiency and economic advancement.
For further information please contact Sonia via the IWAN website.