Tight controls in ekipa trade

ABSALOM SHIGWEDHA ONLY registered Namibian ivory carvers will be allowed to obtain ivory for the production of traditional ekipas, says the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

The 13th Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) permitted Namibia to resume non-commercial trade in ekipas – traditional amulets carved from ivory. The Ministry’s proposal to the Cites conference said all aspects of the manufacturing and sale of ekipas would be regulated according to Cites standards.These include the registration of ivory carvers, the supply of ivory from the national stockpile and the individual marking and registration of every item produced.The Jewellery Association of Namibia (Jassona) has committed itself to forming partnerships with local communities and adding value by incorporating ekipas in high-value jewellery pieces.Selling ekipas for non-commercial purposes means that these ivory trinkets can be sold to tourists for their personal use, but they cannot be sold in bulk to outside markets.Ekipas are highly respected cultural objects, mainly carved in northern Namibia and southern Angola.They are in high demand because of their aesthetic quality and cultural value.They can fetch up to US$1 000 a piece and are mainly bought by American and European tourists.The United States and the European Union will allow their citizens to import ekipas for personal use, but not for resale.The Ministry’s proposal to the Cites conference said all aspects of the manufacturing and sale of ekipas would be regulated according to Cites standards.These include the registration of ivory carvers, the supply of ivory from the national stockpile and the individual marking and registration of every item produced.The Jewellery Association of Namibia (Jassona) has committed itself to forming partnerships with local communities and adding value by incorporating ekipas in high-value jewellery pieces.Selling ekipas for non-commercial purposes means that these ivory trinkets can be sold to tourists for their personal use, but they cannot be sold in bulk to outside markets.Ekipas are highly respected cultural objects, mainly carved in northern Namibia and southern Angola.They are in high demand because of their aesthetic quality and cultural value.They can fetch up to US$1 000 a piece and are mainly bought by American and European tourists.The United States and the European Union will allow their citizens to import ekipas for personal use, but not for resale.