KANYAMŪ

WHAT IS KANYAMÜ? Kanyamü has existed long before we are sharing this moment together, now. The agīkūyū word for “something”, kanyamū is both a filler word and a way of moving between homes and places. It's what you must bring with you, and what you will never leave without. On this platform, it is collections of pieces made of brass, glass, and stone. There is a connecting thread of artistry, photography, indiginety, poetry, and queerness. WHO IS BEHIND KANYAMŪ? Sun(Muloma) is a queer and trans writer, designer, and performing artist . They do not make jewelry (yet!), and they are so humbled to share the work of their collaborators and friends. TRANS/FORMATION was a collaboration between Vania Nyambura (@vania.fineart), and various artisans at Karioko Market. Previous collections have included collaborations with Mwīhaki (@justmwihaki), a queer writer and agīkūyū teacher, and Val (@_wamweree), a fashion designer and baker. WHO MAKES THE PIECES? We have previously sourced our jewelry from Karioko marketplace, in Nairobi — directly from Kenyan jewelers. Beginning in 2025, all pieces will be made by queer African artisans who will be interviewed here on KANYMU.com. WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES? Mutual Aid, Compensation of Labor, Queer Liberation, Land Back, Mastery of Craft. One key way we do this is our WISDOM KEEPERS POT —our mutual aid effort to fully financially support a featured Bantu wisdom keeper and artist in whatever needs they would like met.. At KANYAMÜ we value the preservation of Bantu history, knowledge, and connection so 1/3 of our profits go to the WISDOM KEEPERS POT.