Kampala artisans turn byproduct into pieces rooted in Ugandan heritage.
In a small workshop in Kampala, founder Sandra Kekirunga turns Ankole cow horn into statement jewellery. Ihato is a Ugandan accessories brand working with horn, reclaimed brass, paper beads, and banana fiber. The brand focuses on bold cuffs, layered necklaces, and bangles carved by hand.
No molds, no mass production. Just heat, skill, and material that already existed. Ihato works with repurposed material in a craft tradition common in East Africa.
From Pasture to Product
Ihato uses Ankole cow horn. Ankole cattle, native to Western Uganda, are known for their large, curved horns. The horns come from cattle already slaughtered for meat and dairy.
In Ihato’s workshop, the horns are cleaned, boiled, cut, and flattened with heat and pressure. No harsh chemicals. Once cooled, the horn holds its shape. The marbling shifts from deep brown to black to amber, so no two bangles or earrings are identical. That variation comes from the material itself.
Horn is paired with reclaimed brass from Kampala’s metal markets, hand-rolled paper beads, and banana fiber. Materials are sourced locally and processed by hand.
Heritage in Form
The designs reference Ugandan adornment traditions. Wide cuffs and layered beads echo styles seen across Western Uganda. The pieces are made for daily wear – office, gallery, wedding, or everyday.
Sustainable by Design
Ihato operates as a low-energy, artisanal workshop. Human craftsmanship replaces machines. The materials are upcycled byproducts, so the environmental cost is collection and craft, not extraction.
