Jonathan, Richard, and Philip are the three sons of Louis and Mary Leakey. In The Leakeys: A Biography, I wrote about Katy and Philip marketing environmentally friendly jewelry that is “hand made by Maasai women, who have a long tradition of stunning bead work” (p. 130). Maasai women make the jewelry from dead or renewable plants, woods, and dried grasses indigenous to Kenya. The jewelry is available online and through U.S. stores, and the money earns much-needed financial income to the Maasai.While updating information for the Prometheus Books paperback edition, I “met” Katy Leakey, an artist and designer, online. What a delightful person! She wrote me, “Yes, Philip and I are still making and selling Zulugrass Jewelry as well as all the items on our website. We live in tents among the Maasai and are developing new products all the time.”You may also want to read Katy’s blog to find out more about living in a remote but fascinating area in Kenya and about the Maasai people.Please check their web site if you still need a holiday gift, want to nudge someone to give you a gift, or perhaps purchase a gift for yourself! Their jewelry is truly varied with a wide range of prices. (Is anyone who is still looking for a gift for me reading this?)
