The Tanzanian Pavilion at the Global Village offers gemstone therapy
Shamsa Diwani and Leilla G. Jumbe are women with a purpose. They are here in the Tanzanian Pavilion of the Global Village, in their respective capacities as Secretary General and Treasurer of the Tanzania Women Miners Association or TAWOMA. And they are experts in the mind-boggling variety of gemstones that is a national wealth of Tanzania.
The Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Aquamarine, White Topaz, Red Garnet, Pink Quartz, Rhodolite White, Citrine, Moonstone, Amethyst, Beryl, Opal, Moldavate and Yellow Scapolite are some of the gemstones on display currently.
"Most of these gemstones are from Arusha in Northern Tanzania. They are buried deep under the ground and unlike the modern miners found elsewhere in the region, we are still primitive in our mining methods. Hence our tools are not the ground boring heavy machinery or anything even remotely fancy like that. We use the old fashioned rope to go inside deep earthy pits, dig with shovels and then use sieves to pass the dug earth through them. But the effort bears fruits, for soon we are ready to pick out our precious booty," explains Shamsa Diwani.
It is a matter of great pride to the Tanzanians that Tanzanite is available exclusively only in their country and is an indigenous product. "This is therefore very special to us, for it is a beautiful gemstone, our very own and as we believe it is a gift from God for Tanzania. It is very expensive though but quite unique," offers Leilla Jumbe.
Mining for gemstones is one of the important occupations of people in Tanzania and is practiced particularly by the Masai tribe, where entire families are involved in gemstone mining. This is also a vocation that is passed down generations with skills that are 'inherited' from father to son and so on. Women actively participate in gemstone mining and are capable of providing equally well as the men for their families.
"As is known to everybody, there are birthstones that causes beneficial effects for people under various sun or star signs. For instance it is garnets for the January born, Emerald for the Taureans born in May, Opal for those born in October and Topaz for those born in the last month of the year. And each of these is also firmly believed to have special healing power. The amethyst for instance cures acute headaches, Topaz is good for the nerves and with such acclaimed healing powers, gemstone therapy is huge business in many countries."
Other therapies that are accepted in Tanzania are that Blue Aventurine improves blood circulation and reduces chest congestion. The Citrine helps spine alignment, while the Jade promises complete relaxation and de-stressing.
These gemstones are also believed to have a role in the changing moods of individuals. Thus while Amber brings in a brush with happiness, aquamarine envelops people with love and mercy, the amethyst causes spiritual upliftment, while diamond brings with it personal clarity. In Tanzania these gemstones are also used in the decoration of homes for they are believed to act as a good luck charm.
Jewellery in the Tanzanian pavilion made out of these gemstones comprises earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets. Besides with the irregularly shaped or discarded gemstones, the art of making gemstone trees is immensely popular. These little trees sell like hotcakes in the pavilion, for they are bound to add that touch of glimmer and sheen to the interior of any room.
"Another big business in Tanzania is the export of the rough cuts or the second quality gemstones referred to as 'Industrio minerals' to places like Hong Kong. Here they are used for a variety of purposes ranging from gemstone carvings, embellishing ceramics to even being used in affluent, up market building constructions.
"Some of these mining plots also throw up gold besides gemstones. For an organisation like TAWOMA, this mining activity is hugely important for we believe it empowers women and makes their lives look up. And if given a chance in life, women can change a lot in the society and work wonders for their community. All they need is a challenging opportunity and encouragement that will permit them to perform well," says Leilla Jumbe.
"If such natural resources and the wealth generated from the gold and gemstones are used right, it is quite easily possible to eradicate poverty in Tanzania. And the mining sector alone has the capacity to achieve this," affirms Shamsa Diwani.
The Global Village, a member of 'Tatweer', opened its gates to visitors at Dubailand, located on Emirates Road, on December 13, 2006 and runs until February 9, 2007 from 4pm until midnight everyday from Sunday until Wednesday, and from 4 pm until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondays are dedicated to families.
For more information call Ahlan Dubai on 600545555 or alternatively log on to www.globalvillage.ae
-Ends-
For more details and information please call:
Laila Suhail
Chief Marketing Officer
Tel: 0097142020272
email: lmsuhail@mydsf.ae
DSF Media Center
Rana Ghazi
PR Manager
Tel: 009714-2020275
email: rghazi@mydsf.ae
Ilyas Qureshi
Media Officer
Tel: 2020509
email: iqureshi@mydsf.ae
Ahlan Dubai
Tel: 600545555
DSF Website: www.mydsf.ae
© Press Release 2007
