A small team of young people in the dusty, small city of Lira in the Lango region of Uganda has learned how to make pigments and paints using only local materials and traditional methods. We use the traditional colors of the Lango people of Lira and the surrounding areas which they dig from the river banks, fields, and swamps. We are learning the stories of how these colors were used for decoration on the traditional huts, on skin as war paint, for festivals as good luck, or as wards against evil spirits. We have learned how to make unique paints using only natural earth colors or charcoal/soot, honey, and rain water, using historical tools and processes (we do not use any machines). We are the first African makers of 100% locally sourced, hand-made watercolor paints and pigments on the entire continent (as far as we know)!

We can produce only in small quantities, no more than 50 sets of paint per month, because of the labor involved and because we aim for sustainable practices. We are also at the mercy of the weather: during the rainy season, some colors (notably the green earth (terre verte) pigment) are underwater, so if we sell out their stock, you will have to wait until the waters recede before we can replenish.

The Paintmakers of Lira is a collaboration between Sharon, Halmon, Jacky, and Dan (in Uganda) and David (in Germany). Sharon and the team make the pigments and paints, and David donates guidance, training, expertise, and logistical support. All profits go to the team in Uganda. The African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET) provides the working studio space in Lira.

We are also grateful to the board and membership of Pigments Revealed International for their advice, guidance, and encouragement. In particular, Melonie Ancheta and Sophie Rodin have given a lot of wisdom, expertise, and love to the team. We thank you.

This is a serious business for us — like everyone else, we are trying to live decent lives and care for our families. We are not looking for charity. What we need are resellers or distributors who want to make money from our unique products. If you are interested, please contact David (English/French/German) at paintmakersoflira@gmail.com.

Show now for paints and pigments at paintmakersoflira.etsy.com/
and follow our story at www.instagram.com/paintmakersoflira