THE SAMINAKA COMPASS

Wedding! Wedding! Wedding!--Tamsin Barzane

2009-11-03T20:41:00.009-05:00

Whose bells are ringing? Plenty of SL residents! Marriage is big business in Second Life. Not only do the Lindens rake in a fee at each marriage--and divorce!--but a plethora of businesses serve the engaged couple, just as they do in real life. But while some in real life balk at the prizes of services some bridezillas accept easily, everyone can indulge sl fantasies. A gorgeous gown or tux, a fantastic dj, a beautiful spread of food, a fantasy environment and dream honeymoon--all possible! And your choice of photographers!

Because one of my SL sons is planning to renew his SL vows (congrats Miles Barbasz and TallSweetness Lisa!) and my other used to work in the SL wedding biz, and is looking ahead to wed, these commercial enterprises have been on my mind. I'd love Saminaka to be a niche wedding destination; one couple already stealthily exchanged formal vows there (I felt like an eavesdropper, walking by). I'd love to be in the SL African wedding business, and Oliha is ready to officiate--he's done it in real life settings.

I've been to plenty of Nigerian weddings, so that's what tempts me most. Many Nigerian brides want three weddings for the feeling of a permanent union: traditional, church or mosque ceremony, and civil joining. Let me run you through the sequence backwards, so you can start thinking about your Saminaka adaptation! Guests usually support the couple by wearing "uniforms"--outfits in different styles but the same cloth. Close family members may wear one uniform, bride's university friends another, etc.

While most U.S. houses of God have legal rights to combine civil and religious services, Nigerian churches and mosques don't. You want a civil marriage? (which requires a civil--or uncivil--divorce) You go through the courts. This is the kind of union that allows for bigamy charges or will contestation, etc. Fewer couples take this route, and it's usually done in conjunction to other celebrations.

Church or mosque? Muslim weddings don't require the presence of the bride and groom (proxies can act on their behalf), but they're usually there in gorgeous attire, with some dancing and festivities accompanying all. Church weddings take a clear page from the Western book, with white dresses, elaborate cakes, bridesmaids and gloved groomsmen, interminable speeches, toasts, and dancing during the feast. At some stage of the wedding reception, the couple will certainly emerge in coordinating traditional attire in deluxe fabrics.

Traditional weddings vary wildly from one ethnic group to another, but are often an occasional to wear more traditional attire and hairstyles. Sometimes they are referred to today as betrothals or introductions, since they usually occur before other wedding forms. Most involve the payment of a bride price from the groom's family to the brides. This may be a token, or considerable--sometimes over $10,000. If a divorce occurs, the bride's family must pay it back--and since they've most likely spent it, they expend a lot of trouble in calming quarrels and sponsoring reconciliations. Maybe we should do that in SL, with its assortment of fictive families--bride prices might keep couples together for more that the usual six month cycle!

2009-11-03T20:26:00.004-05:00

The road is never closed. Tarot can help you find your way through the confusion!

Real-life reader, real-life cards.

Direction, focus, decision.

Professional results at a fraction of the RL cost!

500L or your goodwill payment. If not satisfied, do not pay.

IM Feretian String

Photo by Spirit Wingtips

Under the Mango Tree--Tamsin Barzane

2009-11-03T19:44:00.009-05:00

On October 25, cacao's new main store on Saminaka opened its doors. It was a proud moment--I was very happy with my building progress, since I had set myself the task of a Hausa traditional exterior, and felt my competence had jumped several notches. If the walls weren't covered with vendors, well...Rome's togas weren't all woven in a day. Even so, there was a flurry of new wrappers and headties, and a selection of embroidered men's gowns with--at last!--satisfactory shoulder folds, new sweaters and dresses inspired by African baskets and Kuba cloth. And plenty of room for growth!

I opened my first store in SL back in 1997, but it was a small venture. Since then I have experimented with art, furniture, fountains, clothing. While expanding my abilities in creation, I also had to expand my reach in terms of display, advertising, promoting and more. I'm not in the same category as my friend Tomi Melendez, who is on the cusp of abandoning other businesses and making SL her primary wage-earning endeavor, nor have I reached my (initial?) goal of being able to pay tier for the homestead from my earnings, but progress in earning has definitely jumped. While it's all fresh in my mind, I want to share some of my observations, because they may help others in making the jump from pure hobby store to semi-serious merchant. In no particular order, I present you with Tamsin's Rules of Mercantile Success. Proceed at your own risk--they don't all agree with things in SL published books. These suggestions are geared to those who AREN'T graphic artists, or 3D artists, or professional artists of any type.

1. Start small. There's nothing wrong with trying out several business directions till you decide you've found something you really want to delve into. While you experiment, keep your rent low and try out different locations. What you're doing may work better in one spot that another--especially if your merchandise is thematic. Don't lock yourself into heavy charges.

2. Advertise in the classifieds, and use tons of keywords. Write your little advertising blurb and then hit enter four or five times. In the space that isn't apparent when you look at a profile ad, write down every possible term someone might use that will lead them to your store. Some big merchants don't advertise, they just use their picks.But does 50L a week really break your bank? Nah, and it might bring you a big spender.

3. With my little stores, I might go for weeks or over a month without sales. Because my rents were low, I could indulge myself monthly for less than the cost of a Starbucks. And the wait was worth it--inevitably someone would wonder in who wanted four or five things. That works if your things are distinctive enough--find a niche that isn't overflowing! And nichers work that search engine and will turn you up sooner or later.

4. If you're really doing something elaborate, with sales, group only discounts, complicated profit splits, or gift certificates, go with Hippo Vendors. But if you're not, don't. Hippos take time to set up (though they're quick to alter), their scripting is complex and creates more lag, and they they aren't free like a flattened prim rectangle.

5. If you want your new fashion releases to reach a big crowd, but you're still a small fry, go with Vain, a huge free group, and hold off on Fashion Consolidated until you're big time. Why? FashCon allows no chat, while Vain has reasonable and useful chat. If someone asks, "Where can I get a cheesehead costume?" some Vainer is sure to know and will pipe up with an LM--and if you're a cheesehead costume seller, what could be better? Otherwise, both organizations allow one announcement per week, so go for the free one. Once you've built a following, FashCon is great.

6. If you want your traffic to go up, there are a few techniques that work. One of the best get-them-in-the-doors is the Midnight Mania board. MM Boards aren't expensive, and they're copiable. They give away an item if a target number of avatars "slap" a board before SL midnight, but people don't come to your boards unless you're already in a high traffic area or you call the boards. Create a secretary alt, who does nothing but join MM groups and announce your product and the current count. This works, but can be time consuming--call it four or five times a day and lock the board. But do the visitors buy? Only a small proportion, but it will pay back your Board investment. Will it pay back your time? It may. It certainly spreads buzz, opportunities, and new contacts, personal and professional.

7. Another traffic increaser is the Treasure Hunt--and multi-sim organizers may have seen your work in the MM boards and want to include you. Hunters, like MM scavengers, are highly organized. Get that secretary alt to join and announce yours. Traffic on my sim leaped from 300 to 1300 on my first hunt! Use the free events listings on the SL website--and list every single day the hunt is running, though it's a tedious exercise. But avoid choosing holiday months--my wonderful cantaloupe hunt lost out last month, hidden by the plethora of Halloween hunts.

8. Host an occasional event at your store--why can't your clients dance to a dj? It adds a little fun to a slow time and shoppers have leisure to notice the details on your vendors.

9. Create groups--both the usual subscriber, and the doesn't-count-in-25-groups Subscribomatic (which is free). Announce new items to your members, but wait till you have a clump of newness--no one wants day after day of one item releases.

10. Look for groups that allow postings upon approval--and find as many as are appropriate for your niche. Except for FashCon, don't pay for the privilege.

11. Avoid events, no matter how prestigious they sound, that require you to pay but have no way for you to show and sell objects--i.e., fashion shows. Money and time down the drain--this applies to ads in most SL magazines, too. Do you want to spend $60-$100 real life dollars for $25 worth of sales?

12. Promote incessantly, but in a non-annoying way. Find new angles, twists, events, to get people to see what you're doing. What about blogging? Writing comments on fashion blogs? New ning rings that are springing up? Look for new temporary or semi-permanent venues to show your stuff to new folks.

Well, this is a round dozen of suggestions. Readers with more (or different!) experiences, why not comment and help some folks?

2009-11-03T19:42:00.000-05:00

Solylence combines Senegalese elegance and Parisian chic in her lovely African attire for men and women.
Visit it at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Robben%20Island/123/191/21

2009-11-03T19:41:00.001-05:00

*{Kiko Life}* HUGE BOGO Sale on Makeups 021 through 50, & Mens! - We couldn't resist doing it. We're announcing a delicious BOGO sale on makeups 21 - 50 and all our Mens skins! And First Release Makeups 01 - 20 are STILL 40% off. When you make your purchase, we will send you a voucher you can use to redeem product from any skin vendor in our store. If you buy two skins you get two vouchers. If you buy four skins, four vouchers. The vouchers are sent out after your purchase has been confirmed. Random purchasers will get doubled up vouchers. Yes! During the course of the BOGO sale, if you purchase three, four or more skins, you might one of the lovely Kiko Life shoppers who gets a random fatpack card! PLUS your vouchers! So have fun deciding which makeups you want and in which tones... chances are your Ls are going to stretch verrrrry far. Only at the main store: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kiko%20Life/209/108/1505

From the Suitcase--Oliha Yiwama

2009-11-03T19:39:00.001-05:00

Oliha is having a little holiday this week, but he'll be back next week!

2009-11-03T19:38:00.002-05:00

OCHL ENTERPRISES

Read the blog at http://www.fatimaochl.net/, get an introductory copy of OCHL's GUIDE TO MUSIC AND DANCE IN SL at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deminis/133/206/30

2009-11-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES ON SAMINAKA! SULTAN OLIHA YIWAMA
(HIGH PRIEST OF AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES)
EXPERIENCE THE ANCIENT SECRETS OF AFRICA!!! Divination/Consultations
African Medicine
African Naming
Ceremonies
African Weddings
Initiations
Shrine Work
Compelling Magic
Unjinxing
Orisha store!

IM Oliha Yiwama for a consultation. Reasonable rates

2009-11-03T19:35:00.002-05:00

Our readership keeps growing! This week it's 1877. Take advantage of our low rates and readers who love quality merchandise, and advertise with us.All ad payments are in-world and in lindens. Ads for the coming week should be submitted by noon SLT Saturday (in a pinch, we'll take them later).Single ad, no photo, one week. maximum 5 Blogger lines: 50LSingle ad, photo, one week. Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 100LSingle ad recurring, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 175LSingle ad recurring, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 325LSingle ad changing week-to-week, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 180LSingle ad changing week-to-week, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 425LIf you want longer text, more than one photo, or a longer ad run, prices will be adjusted. Contact Tamsin Barzane through inworld notecard or at tbarzane@gmail.com

Hawking in the Market--Saminaka Commercial News

2009-11-03T19:31:00.002-05:00

***cacao Main Store: The main store for cacao is now open, and gradually filling with new stocks of contemporary clothing in African textiles, as well as traditional wear for men and women. This means that Cinnamon Brigade will be phased out, its inventory updated and folded into the new cacao--which means an expansion for Seven Cowries! It's a shuffle all round--some of the stock of African Art at Pangolin Dreams (on Robben Island) will move to Saminaka, as Pangolin Dreams narrows its specialties. Likewise, Tropicality clothing and shoes will in part move to cacao (with updates!) as Tropicality shifts its focus exclusively to beach and resort wear with African flair. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/197/170/27

***Market Stalls: The temporary Festival Market stalls were a big hit with visitors, and several of the vendors mentioned how pleased they were with their sales. Saminaka will be developing its Anioma sector with Igbo buildings soon, and we've relocated a small open market at the site. Solylence Houston has an African clothing stall, Feretian String a tarot tent, and Fanda Ryba sells drums and other items to support real life Ugandan orphans. We welcome other vendors with a zest for things African! 25 prims for 150 a week--contact Tamsin Barzane

***Kiko Life! Kiko is having a huge sale at her main store--MEN'S SKINS AS WELL AS LADIES! See her ad above; this is your chance to stock up on beautiful skins, as well as support a Saminaka merchant (we want her to produce some ethnic marks and cosmetic scarifications in future, so encourage a sista!) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kiko%20Life/209/108/1505

2009-11-03T19:30:00.000-05:00

AkieM's has a wide selection of abstracts, contemporary, and black art, also original sculptures by Blac Quartz. Custom framing and matting can be done upon request.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lionheart%20Nala/129/207/28

Wetin be dat? Nigerian pidgin English phrase of the week

2009-11-03T19:22:00.002-05:00

Dat new moto he get go shak him well-well.

That new car of his makes him wander around in a daze of pleasure.

2009-11-03T19:21:00.000-05:00

My People Say

2009-11-03T19:10:00.003-05:00

A forest bird cannot fly in the savannah. --Yoruba proverb
Everyone has a comfort zone

2009-11-03T18:51:00.003-05:00

This sweater, like many of the new cacao designs, is inspired by African baskets. Their neutral colors include harmonious shades that will warm your simulated heart! A prim turtleneck and sweater bottom make it even handsomer. Mod/Transfer, like everything in the store. cacao...couture from the chocolate lands Main Store http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/197/170/27

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Nov. 3 to 9

2009-10-31T08:44:00.003-04:00

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka has a new exhibit about Nigerian plants. This slideshow features information and images of over fifty trees, plants and flowers, native and naturalized. Some of the information is surprising (Nigeria is the third largest supplier of peanuts in the world--outranks U.S.!), some is interesting (Nigerian henna use does not involve elaborate patterning). Enjoy finding out a rubber tree doesn't look at all exotic, soak up some beauty, and see references to the Saminaka landscape http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/96/65/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka's MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE is up again, in an even more realistic environment! Treet.TV kindly hosted it for months, but London's Kingston University has now generously provided space for a permanent exhibition of the African side of the transatlantic slave trade. It isn't roleplay, but it does allow you to try on the lives of ten individuals from different eras and parts of Africa who were seized and taken to the U.S. See it here (and take the teleporter if you land at the university's hub): http://slurl.com/secondlife/SolipCISM/4/253/24

Indigo and Nigeria--Tamsin Barzane

2009-10-20T22:27:00.006-04:00

You may have seen some of the beautiful indigo cloths at Saminaka--the tablecloths at our restaurant, or some of the clothes at cacao and Cinnamon Brigade. And you may have taken a look at our new Nigerian plant display over in the katamba, the big Nupe round exhibit hall. Indigo originated in Africa, but it quickly spread to India, where it was domesticated, reaching eastward to Japan.

The shrub's leaves are soaked in water and fermented to produce dye--a fairly complex procedure that calls for the addition of other strong chemicals that allow it to dye cotton a range of blues that approach black. In Nigeria, this is usually a multi-dip procedure. In the Middle Belt and South, women usually dye the threads, while in the North it's the men who do the work.

It's an old procedure, used to dip threads or cloth, but also used in tie-dyeing cotton sheeting. Yoruba women paint sheeting with a starchy paste from cassava, let it dry, and dip it in the dye in a process similar to batik--but the starch isn't as impervious to the color as wax is, so the resultant pattern, once it's done and scraped, is light blue against dark, rather than white against blue. They also stitch patterns into the cloth and draw the threads up tight, then dye it, the stitches (later cut) creating delicate lines, or use metal stencils to push starch through in a faster method.

I'm an adire collector--the patterned Yoruba cloths--but love indigo cloth in all its variations. I love the smell of fresh overdyed indigo--sharp and distinctive. I remember the way it used to stain my skin when it was newly purchased, the way I was caught in a rainstorm and saw the blue dripping down my arms and legs. On Saminaka that won't be your worry, but you can get a sense of the huge variety of beautiful directions one color can take.

Africa all bright colors? Oh no, not everywhere! But these are blues you'll really enjoy.

2009-10-20T22:26:00.002-04:00

OCHL ENTERPRISES

Read the blog at http://www.fatimaochl.net/, get an introductory copy of OCHL's GUIDE TO MUSIC AND DANCE IN SL at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deminis/133/206/30

2009-10-20T22:24:00.001-04:00

Looking for that special Halloween gift? Give the gift of Tarot's wisdom to your sweetheart. Or yourself!

Real-life reader, real-life cards. Direction, focus, decision. Professional results at a fraction of the RL cost! 500L or your goodwill payment. If not satisfied, do not pay.

IM Feretian String anytime.

Under the Mango Tree--Tamsin Barzane

2009-10-20T21:56:00.003-04:00

The weather is changing, and a rash of damp, dreary days has sprinkled itself over the region. People are getting worried about the swine flu, with alarums clamoring. My ancient bones are complaining and creaking like a Halloween skeleton, and dragginess is a watchword. If it were Spring, we'd be talking tonic (Pappy's Sassafrass tea, anyone?). But it isn't! It's the Fall that acts as overture to a loooooong winter.

And I have a remedy for you.

It is my cure all for sore throats, blocked noses, aching sinuses, the blues, and whatever ails you. And it came my way in Nigeria, decades back. It is...the mighty habanero pepper!! Now some of you don't know the habanero, known to English-speaking West Indians as the Scotch Bonnet--or the ata rodo, the Yoruba name that most other Nigerians use, too. You know the jalapeno, the chipotle, the banana pepper, but not the habanero. Others know it and dread it! It is high up on the peppery Scoville scale, and one pepper can make a pot hot enough to down a Cuban! It was born in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, but the Portuguese took it off to West Africa where it flourished and jumped into the cooking pots, changing the cuisine several centuries ago.

Now a Yoruba cook cranks it up! Not everyone in Nigeria can take it, but that was the level I started with. They're full of vitamin A, full of flavor with a capital F--jerk chicken wouldn't be jerked without that peppa!!! You can't tame your mouth with water or beer (though the latter tastes good with it). Only milk or ice cream can really do the job. Don't be afraid--it's worth it.

Groceries in Puerto Rican neighborhoods have ata rodo--buy a lot and just pop your extras in a plastic bag in the fridge, so you have them at a bargain price all winter long--when you need them most. Dried doesn't do it--they retain the heat but lose the flavor.

A simple way to try it is delicious and fast--I learned it when the power would be shut off and I couldn't use the blender to make Nigerian stew. Put some water on the burner. Heat some oil in a skillet and get your knife out--chop up four or five Roma tomatos and a third or a half of a purple onion--and chop up one ata rodo. But be careful, especially if you wear contacts! It takes a day to come off your fingers--put a plastic bag over your hand to cut it up. By the time it's cut up, the oil should be hot, and throw it all in. Water boiling? Throw some pasta in (or make some rice). After your sauce has been on high for about five minutes, lower the heat. Add some salt, some basil, some powdered ginger. By the time the pasta is cooked, the sauce is ready.

Less than half an hour, you've got a hearty meal that will clear your head and make you glad to be alive! A little bit of the tropics will fill your kitchen and your stomach--and sometimes clean you out the next morning! Enjoy yourself.

2009-10-20T21:55:00.001-04:00

2009-10-20T21:54:00.001-04:00

From the Suitcase--Oliha Yiwama

2009-10-20T21:48:00.003-04:00

What’s the Word

Alafia!!! Alafia means peace in the Yoruba language. Alafia is also a greeting. Similar to a|
namaste in Hindu, or a shalom in Hebrew, or a assalam alikum in Arabic, etc. Although these greetings are from many different ethnic groups from around the world, they all convey a single meaning, a word of power: Peace! In traditional African societies, words of power are used most efficiently by native doctors or what the West refers to as shamans.

What is a word of power? Words of power help one convey, imagine, manifest, control or manipulate transformative energy. Words of power can turn the unseen into the seen, the obscure into the secure, the imaginary into the real. Words of power sometimes can be a part of everyday language, such as the words conveying peace, reassuring hearers that all is well, envisioning a dove with a fig branch in its mouth and all the soothing symbolism that goes along with the concept. Words of power can also be restricted to mystical ritual practitioners that through the millennia discovered the secrets of transformative energies.

Some words of power that are used to make things manifest from a ritualistic view are ashe/ase of the Yoruba, ise of the Edo, and om of the Hindu. Roughly, the meaning is let these things that I ask for come true or may it manifest. Mystical practitioners take the use of words of power further than the layman. A mystical practitioner uses the words of power to make his/her desires manifest as well as those of their clients and community. From transforming the ingredients in a herbal potion to cure a disease, to transforming the human body into a four-legged animal, or flying to an undisclosed destination. Transformation is what the alchemist searches for--but the African mystic knows where to find it.

The African mystic uses incantations as one of the methods of transforming substances. Incantations consist of words of power. A good example is the phrase Yoruba word Eji Ogbe. Eji Ogbe is an Ifa Odu. An Odu is a word of power that conveys messages through the Ifa oracle. Eji Ogbe symbolizes spiritual awakening, peace and prosperity, victory over enemies, and long life. Once Eji Ogbe comes out in divination, the mystical ritual practitioner can utter these words to make this word of power manifest for the client or himself.

Words of power are also used to control nature, such as water, wind, fire, and earth. According to the world's oral literature, the creator uttered a word of power and everything came into existence. May you use a word of power to transform the world!

2009-10-20T21:45:00.001-04:00

Solylence combines Senegalese elegance and Parisian chic in her lovely African attire for men and women.
Visit it at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Robben%20Island/123/191/21

2009-10-20T21:42:00.002-04:00

Our readership keeps growing! This week it's 1694. Take advantage of our low rates and readers who love quality merchandise, and advertise with us.All ad payments are in-world and in lindens. Ads for the coming week should be submitted by noon SLT Saturday (in a pinch, we'll take them later).Single ad, no photo, one week. maximum 5 Blogger lines: 50LSingle ad, photo, one week. Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 100LSingle ad recurring, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 175LSingle ad recurring, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 325LSingle ad changing week-to-week, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 180LSingle ad changing week-to-week, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 425LIf you want longer text, more than one photo, or a longer ad run, prices will be adjusted. Contact Tamsin Barzane through inworld notecard or at tbarzane@gmail.com

Posted by T

HAWKING IN THE MARKET--Saminaka Commercial News

2009-10-20T21:36:00.005-04:00

***Market Stalls: The temporary Festival Market stalls were a big hit with visitors, and several of the vendors mentioned how pleased they were with their sales. Saminaka will be developing its Anioma sector with Igbo buildings soon, and we've relocated a small open market at the site. Solylence Houston has an African clothing stall, Feretian String a tarot tent, and Fanda Ryba sells drums and other items to support real life Ugandan orphans. We welcome other vendors with a zest for things African! 25 prims for 150 a week--contact Tamsin Barzane

***cacao Main Store: The main store for cacao will be opening this Sunday. This means that Cinnamon Brigade will be phased out, its inventory updated and folded into the new cacao--which means an expansion for Seven Cowries! It's a shuffle all round--some of the stock of African Art at Pangolin Dreams (on Robben Island) will move to Saminaka, as Pangolin Dreams narrows its specialties. Likewise, Tropicality clothing and shoes will in part move to cacao (with updates!) as Tropicality shifts its focus exclusively to beach and resort wear with African flair. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/197/170/27

2009-10-20T21:34:00.000-04:00

Wetin be dat? Nigerian pidgin English phrase of the week

2009-10-20T21:31:00.002-04:00

Sista! I don told you, but you no dey hear word!

My sister, I told you, but you refused to listen.

2009-10-20T21:29:00.003-04:00

My People Say

2009-10-20T21:25:00.002-04:00

"The one who rests in the shade, doesn't know how strong the sun can be." Igala proverb

Wealth can make people forget those who are suffering.

2009-10-20T21:14:00.007-04:00

This is a preview of an item that will soon be available at cacao! It's a great embroidered Yoruba traditional outfit--short pants with a full skirted embroidered top, folded back sleeves, and a flop-over Yoruba cap.

We are gearing up with new African traditional and contemporary styles for men and women, preparing for the grand opening of our new main store on Saminaka this Sunday! For now, see the Hausa-style building and a few items--much more to come! See it at:http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/197/170/27

This Week in the Compass--Oct. 21-27

2009-10-20T09:48:00.005-04:00

Sunday, Oct. 25 ALL DAY! GRAND OPENING CACAO MAIN STORE! cacao is finally going to open its main store. Tamsin has been designing and getting things ready in secret, so that there will be initial stock--clothing that is both inspired by Africa and that is traditional, as well as furnishings and shoes. Jewelry will be coming soon! On grand opening day, there will be treats for visitors, as well as Subscribomatic group members (hit up the sign in the store!) and there will be DJ's playing to let you dance in the store and have fun! The store's exterior is in the Hausa style of architecture, and a treat for the eyes! Get your LM at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/197/170/27

Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31. Saminaka's great Cantaloupe Treasure Hunt allows you to wear a new calabash on your head, this time loading it with half cantaloupes as you search through the sim for 20 of the fruits. They're all hidden near Nigerian plants, and pile up in your calabash as you find them. All located? Go back to base and touch the giant cantaloupe for a grand prize. All prizes transfer. Any that are gender-specific include both a male and female version. All prizes unique to the hunt, comprising clothing, furniture, art and other goods with an African plant theme. The starting point can be reached from teleporter via Saminaka's infohub tent, or at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/93/66/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka has a new exhibit about Nigerian plants. This slideshow features information and images of over fifty trees, plants and flowers, native and naturalized. Some of the information is surprising (Nigeria is the third largest supplier of peanuts in the world--outranks U.S.!), some is interesting (Nigerian henna use does not involve elaborate patterning). Enjoy finding out a rubber tree doesn't look at all exotic, soak up some beauty, and get some hints for the treasure hunt above! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/96/65/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka's MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE is up again, in an even more realistic environment! Treet.TV kindly hosted it for months, but London's Kingston University has now generously provided space for a permanent exhibition of the African side of the transatlantic slave trade. It isn't roleplay, but it does allow you to try on the lives of ten individuals from different eras and parts of Africa who were seized and taken to the U.S. See it here (and take the teleporter if you land at the university's hub):Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31. http://slurl.com/secondlife/SolipCISM/4/253/24

Creativity and Intrusion in Second Life--Tamsin Barzane

2009-10-14T11:35:00.005-04:00

How can Second Life remain a source of creativity, friendship and development without making you flinch every time the IM bell rings? Because it can do both--otherwise there would be no "no drama zone" signs and some residents wouldn't feel the need to hide by unclicking their radio buttons. But I'm not really talking about the occasional pests who rant or insult--though they warrant an examination! I'm talking about obligations from people you like.

I don't want anyone to wince on my account. I started a writing group, Egbe Akowe, last summer, and we have thirty-plus members, though only ever had a core of five regular attendees for a weekly meeting. We were faithful and regular for a while, but rl would come up (or festival planning), and we've missed a few meetings. I'm not up to date myself! And when I find myself thinking, "Damn! It's Tuesday night and we're supposed to meet!" it's time to regroup!

It's not a matter of interest--I think we've all enjoyed the opportunity to nudge ourselves back into creating, and to share the results (surprisingly good!) with each other. The meetings have been lots of fun as well, building camaraderie, and providing useful suggestions.

The problem has been finding time and not feeling guilty if we haven't written. So I'm going to change the direction of our writing group so it remains fun and productive for all of us. It will now have more of a workshop feel--no prep at all, just drop in! We had a great round robin storytelling session once; we may do that again, but we are going to do timed exercises right then and there that we can share. Short things. I've dusted off my writer's group books and am ready!

So do join us--no guilt, plenty of fun and kickstarts to creativity. We will begin next Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6 pm slt at the library/bookstore, Slate, Stick & Scroll.

2009-10-14T11:34:00.001-04:00

Solylence combines Senegalese elegance and Parisian chic in her lovely African attire for men and women.
Visit it at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Robben%20Island/123/191/21

2009-10-14T11:33:00.001-04:00

OCHL ENTERPRISES
Read the blog at http://www.fatimaochl.net/, get an introductory copy of OCHL's GUIDE TO MUSIC AND DANCE IN SL at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deminis/133/206/30

2009-10-14T11:30:00.002-04:00

Our readership keeps growing! This week it's 1600. Take advantage of our low rates and readers who love quality merchandise, and advertise with us.All ad payments are in-world and in lindens. Ads for the coming week should be submitted by noon SLT Saturday (in a pinch, we'll take them later).Single ad, no photo, one week. maximum 5 Blogger lines: 50LSingle ad, photo, one week. Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 100LSingle ad recurring, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 175LSingle ad recurring, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 325LSingle ad changing week-to-week, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 180LSingle ad changing week-to-week, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 425LIf you want longer text, more than one photo, or a longer ad run, prices will be adjusted. Contact Tamsin Barzane through inworld notecard or at tbarzane@gmail.com

UNDER THE MANGO TREE--Tamsin Barzane

2009-10-14T11:10:00.008-04:00

When Saminaka was born in 2008, I built (with the help and advice of the kind and skilled Readly Oh) a small Nupe compound. It was my first foray into the construction business, and I had Readly show me how to create a round house with a Nupe style door and window opening. Then I was ready for bigger fish! I made an old-style Nupe palace katamba, the grand round entrance building with support posts. By rights, it should have had opposing tall doorways for the entrance and egress of chiefs on horseback, but I was already struggling with megaprims, Tokoroten and sculpted posts, and a temp rezzer that would allow me to pack 50 plus prims into one box.

The Nupekwo compound had three or four houses that stood empty for a while, but the delightful Cymindra moved in, and since then the tenancy has changed very little. Recently several others have chosen to move it, so I added a few buildings. I like my six tenants tremendously, and am proud they've chosen to like in Saminaka, even though they don't actually spend much time in their cramped quarters.

Contemplating them made me think of the nature of "home" in Second Life, and our curious human impulses. I have an SL home, and acquired the land within a month or two of signing up. I fell in love with the terrain, and the fact it was part of a five-sim package, much of it open water. I knew my two neighbors, and made two other local friends.

The plot is an odd shape--very difficult for most houses. I kept trying to squeeze and rotate, never thinking of asking the estate manager to manipulate the shoreline! My first domicile was much to big to decorate within the prim limits, so it always looked empty. I was about to buy one of Barnesworth Annubis' Moroccan homes just when my friend Chan tired of hers, so she dropped it onto my land. It was perfect--until I messed up its open/close Moorish windows and somehow locked all the doors--and because it wasn't mine, not much I could do! But I managed it.

I recently decided to try to build more, and am trying out a modified structure from Mali as my house. It's unfinished, and still unfurnished--a measure of how little I use this "home." Yet I don't want to get rid of it, even though there's less open water, and no longer an unimpeded view. Why? I'm not slexing it up between the sheets, or throwing fabulous parties. It IS nice not to change clothes at the bottom of the ocean, but that's not it either.

And I've been tempted. I bought it before land became virtually free except for the tier, and know I'd never get its costs back. Still, it is a kind of base, and I've grown affectionate towards it. It's "my place" and it's in an idyllic environment. And as I turn the heat on for the season and look out at the unpulled weeds on a vacant lot, or a building that needs to be pulled down, the idyllic home holds a beacon of warmth and welcome.

So maybe that's what the tenants feel, too. I pledge to create fun activities and make their environment full of beauty, because I feel pleasure when I see their little lights on the mini-map. I want them to know that Saminaka will remain interesting, refreshing and stimulating, while winters may roar around them, or their own living room turn into a maelstorm. Welcome home!

2009-10-14T08:43:00.003-04:00

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FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

2009-10-14T07:22:00.005-04:00

Jammin' with Spirit

Wow! Saminaka had a great African festival last week--masquerades, music, drums, dance, cultural attire and talks. We had a record participation from our guests as well. I want to congratulate the new members of the African Mystics for embarking on their spiritual journey. Last but certainly not least, I'd like to congratulate and thank Tamsin for allowing all of this to take place. Go Tamsin! I gave a talk on African music and spirituality during the festival and launched the African Mystics group. The wonders and complexity of Nigeria are evident. Each one of the above activities has a major role in African mysticism.

In African mysticism, especially in Nigeria, inter-connectivity between various components of personal and communal expression is quite common. Some of the masquerade performers in the festival represented ancestral spirits and concepts that involve music, dance, and symbolic representation of moral codes. Others involved music, dance, and festivities.

The music and dance take the visual and audible realms to such an ecstatic level that the spiritual realm merges with the physical. As the masquerades danced and moved about Saminaka to the tunes of African music--traditional to modern--the energy vibes rose and corresponded with the vibrational level of participation of our guests. In short, it took us to a realm that was a mix of physical excitement and spiritual joy.

After the talk on African music, there was an impromptu drum jam. There were several drummers, and dancers took part as well. Many were dressed in African attire, but all were jamming to the sounds of Africa. We had djembe, xylophone, conga, horns, and other drums that played the beats specific to those instruments. The dancers floated freely on the dance floor, adding to the ephemeral experience. The dancers attenuated the drum beats, wiggling and jiggling to the melodic polyrhythms. The rhythms were often hypnotic, placing the drummer and dancer in a euphoric state and bond. There was no standing around or just watching the other avatars there--that kind of experience requires direct participation.

Later that night, DJs took over the course of the music. The DJs that spinned the jams at the festival were awesome! They played a mix of music that also brought out the spirit that resides in us. The dance area was full; the music, as well as the vibes, lifted everyone’s spirit. All the avatars looked like kings and queens in their traditional African attire. But it was also more than the attire that brought out the beauty. It was the spirit from the festival experience. The spirit evolved from the combination of drum, dance, masquerade, music and cultural attire. A communal spiritual participation. The spirit moves us to commune with the divine when all the ingredients are there!

2009-10-13T10:20:00.003-04:00

2009-10-13T10:16:00.009-04:00

2009-10-13T10:16:00.007-04:00

HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

2009-10-13T10:10:00.005-04:00

***cacao Main Store: The main store for cacao will now be developing quickly, since the building is up and the Festival is behind us. This means that Cinnamon Brigade will be phased out, its inventory updated and folded into the new cacao--which means an expansion for Seven Cowries! It's a shuffle all round--some of the stock of African Art at Pangolin Dreams (on Robben Island) will move to Saminaka, as Pangolin Dreams narrows its specialties. Likewise, Tropicality clothing and shoes will in part move to cacao (with updates!) as Tropicality shifts its focus exclusively to beach and resort wear with African flair. Tamsin has been designing like mad--the grand opening will be later this month.

2009-10-13T10:07:00.004-04:00

WETIN BE DAT? Pidgin English phrase of the week

2009-10-13T10:01:00.002-04:00

"You be amebo. Why you go tell my mama I de drink kai-kai? She wan scatter my head!"

"You're a busybody. Why did you tell my mother I was drinking local gin? She was really angry!"

MY PEOPLE SAY--NIGERIAN PROVERB OF THE WEEK

2009-10-13T09:57:00.002-04:00

"The fisherman does not set his trap once." Ijo people

Persevere for success!

2009-10-13T09:42:00.004-04:00

This is a preview of an item that will soon be available at cacao! We are gearing up with new African traditional and contemporary styles for men and women, preparing for the grand opening of our new main store on Saminaka later this month! For now, see the Hausa-style building and a few items--much more to come! See it at:

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Oct. 13-20

2009-10-13T09:35:00.009-04:00

Oct. 17, 11 am to 1 pm SLT--not on Saminaka, but a friend to Saminaka! AkieM Artistic Abstracts & Sculpture's would like to present "Living In Vivid Hues" a spectacular artshow showcasing the works of Blac Quartz. The artwork displayed will range from Ethnic to Erotic. Show will be held at Club Hypnotic. Dress is casual, music will be provided by DJ Hush Law. Come Live Your Life In Vivid Hues. http://slurl.com/secondlife/CidadeDoMedo/63/117/3002

Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31. Saminaka's great Cantaloupe Treasure Hunt allows you to wear a new calabash on your head, this time loading it with half cantaloupes as you search through the sim for 20 of the fruits. They're all hidden near Nigerian plants, and pile up in your calabash as you find them. All located? Go back to base and touch the giant cantaloupe for a grand prize. All prizes transfer. Any that are gender-specific include both a male and female version. All prizes unique to the hunt, comprising clothing, furniture, art and other goods with an African plant theme. The starting point can be reached from teleporter via Saminaka's infohub tent, or at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/93/66/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka has a new exhibit about Nigerian plants. This slideshow features information and images of over fifty trees, plants and flowers, native and naturalized. Some of the information is surprising (Nigeria is the third largest supplier of peanuts in the world--outranks U.S.!), some is interesting (Nigerian henna use does not involve elaborate patterning). Enjoy finding out a rubber tree doesn't look at all exotic, soak up some beauty, and get some hints for the treasure hunt above! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/96/65/30

Ongoing indefinitely. Saminaka's MIDDLE PASSAGE EXPERIENCE is up again, in an even more realistic environment! Treet.TV kindly hosted it for months, but London's Kingston University has now generously provided space for a permanent exhibition of the African side of the transatlantic slave trade. It isn't roleplay, but it does allow you to try on the lives of ten individuals from different eras and parts of Africa who were seized and taken to the U.S. See it here (and take the teleporter if you land at the university's hub):Ongoing, extended until Oct. 31.

African music in Second Life--Tamsin Barzane

2009-10-06T18:52:00.012-04:00

The recently concluded African Festival on Second Life had many musical moments, thought that was never intended to be its focus. But it proved a maxim, one that Oliha Yiwama mentioned in his talks on both drumming and spiritual traditions--music and dance bring people together, celebration is prayer, the spirit can unite people and make their spirits soar! (well, all right, he said it more eloquently).

We wanted live music and nearly had it in two doses. The very kind Bourque Rau promotes Second Life live music, and did her best to hunt down performers who worked either in African style or something close. She connected me with the very talented Peregrine Singh, who mulled over the possibilities of bringing in musician friends from Gambia and Guinea, and I began to salivate. Real life prevented it, but who knows in future? And if not for sound problems, we would have had master rl drummer Oliha Yiwama bringing us West African rhythms in several traditions, which we trust will still happen in times ahead.

We had three fabulous DJs play African music: HarleyMC Homewood, Blade Unsustainable and Isabelle Mavendorf (Soulman Sands is another tested and true, but unavailable during the festival). Their tastes were all different, and all fabulous--we had Afrobeatphilacs, African house music miners, and plaintive balladeers. Miles Barbasz was feverishly writing down artists' names, and he'd better hand over his list!

We filled the sim (it's a homestead, but I'm convinced it would have been filled even in a full prim)! People tried and tried and finally tped in, that's how good the sound reports were. And they chatted as the fireworks went off and the hips shook--not senseless spamastic gestures, but conversations and spontaneous eruptions of joy. Friendships were forged, and our last night's Best Dressed in African Attire saw a bevy of beauties of both sexes (winners--Blac Quartz and Pietro Eberhardt), dancing under the stars.

One of the best musical events was totally unplanned. I sat in a vendor's stall with Feretian String, just chatting. Oronoque Westland wandered by, and asked if her playing a flute would be annoying. Certainly not! Soon her haunting South American tunes were joined by my Yoruba talking drum and Fere on a standing one--then Oron switched to electric sitar, then guitar and steel pan. We had a jam session that lasted for close to two hours, joined by Solylence Houston, Szvanna Anatra, the others who danced and played. For a while we were the all female Princesses of Percussion (POP)--Fere to thank for that sporty moniker--then were joined by others of the male persuasion.

At times we actually seemed in sync, and a thrill swept over us! I hope scripters make more musical instruments and work in some timing controls, because, as Oliha Yiwama pointed out, this is a great opportunity for those who never had exposure or practice--or skill--to make beautiful music. But we're more than happy to make a joyful noise here!

2009-10-06T16:10:00.004-04:00

AkieM's has a wide selection of abstracts, contemporary, and black art, also original sculptures by Blac Quartz. Custom framing and matting can be done upon request.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lionheart%20Nala/129/207/28

UNDER THE MANGO TREE--Tamsin Barzane

2009-10-06T16:09:00.020-04:00

SL's first African Festival has come and gone, and now it's time to reflect. The three-and-a-half day affair brought a lot of visitors to Saminaka, some of whom have chosen to be residents, regular loiterers (in a good way!), or merchants. The crowds and interest were gratifying, but the work was substantial. So--some reflections on the festival itself, but also on the idea of organizing a big event, which might help those doing something similar.

Suggestion #1. Imagine how long it will take you to create all the components, then multiply by three. There are bound to be rl interruptions, technical glitches, problems and unanticipated situations of all sorts. If you are creating things (builds, prizes for a treasure hunt, slide shows) begin months in advance! It won't molder on your computer, and you don't even have to schedule the event until there's only a smidge left to finish. Do you really want to (ahem) make your stiltwalking masquerade costume the day you're going to wear it?

Suggestion #2. Don't hire a publicist. I didn't, because I heard too many horror stories of people who paid lottalindens for pr, with few results. Did I get any better results? Probably not, but I had passion for the project, and some really helpful friend. Oliha Yiwama had lots of great ideas, and send out notices to tons of groups, as did I; Firery Broome hit the SLED lists and places academic, Charity Richez dug into her endless friends list and brought people regularly to events, and Kabaka Kwaszes tweeted and notified throughout the weekend--and those are only the ones I knew about. No reporters interviewed me, but I contacted some. However, an enquiry about radio ads to Khitten Kurka (aka DJ Flashback on Ground Level Radio) brought me into a discussion with Ground Level's Bryson Capalini who ran constant public service announcements for us on his excellent R&B station throughout the weekend. Fabulous people WILL help out in wonderful ways.

Suggestion #3. Regard your first big event as an experiment. So nobody entered the writing contest? Two of the photo contests were a bust? Perhaps the wrong contacts, too little publicity, or too much of a good thing. Only one person in the canoe regatta, and the durbar petered out? The first turned out to be terrific fun, while the latter has potential. Shake it off, and consider how each could be a dedicated event you can give full consideration to. Durbar will happen later, after Nigerian style horse trappings are made at leisure.

And as for the regatta? Ah, Saminaka WILL have an Olokun festival and pull out the stops! We'll supply usable decorated canoes, have a slide show about water deities in Africa, and invite SL's mermaids to make free with an enhanced underwater paradise. Plus the rideable hammerhead shark and manta ray will return! Saminaka looks so great circling round the perimeter, and the outer islands provide some marvelous opportunities for perilous steering!

As the only entrant with a decorated canoe, Feretian String won the regatta contest, but we had fun with resident Fox Foxdale and the fabulous water spider, Oronoque Westland! In short, don't let any aspect get you down.

Suggestion #4 Where your plans involve other people, inure yourself to disappointment and have a back-up plan. No need to be disappointed when people can't do what they said they would--First Life had BETTER have priorities. Be flexible. We almost had a great live performer, but it didn't work out. A DJ who agreed, then never showed up or even said sorry (no requests to you again, sir!). Some vendors said they were ready, but ultimately weren't (have your stalls up and rent boxes ready when you ask!). It was all good. Fallbacks fell in place. As luck would have it, a fave DJ, HarleyMC Homewood came on just as I was in despair we would have an opening party at all--and from his superkind heart, stepped into the breach immediately. No live performer, but live DJs everyday. A couldn't-be-helped late show? African music videos in the meantime. It'll all be fine if you keep despair at bay and can please the gathered with something.

Suggestion #5. Don't let the technical problems stop you. Saminaka's Sultan, Oliha Yiwama gave two fabulous talks. The first, on African music, would have included the greatest of demo drumming, but the mic was too "hot" and the feedback interfered with the drums (and had been nonexistent in an earlier soundcheck). Everyone enjoyed the talk nonetheless, but there was a hunger to hear the drumming, so Oliha was going to work some drumming, voice and percussion into his talk on African Spirituality. But sound did not cooperate. For some unknown reason, static metastasized, and he philosophically abandoned his original plan, went to typing, and soldiered on. (We will make sure he gets a chance to shine in future, because he is a terrific speaker and performer). Both talks were very well attended and made the sim new friends (I also gave a talk on African art).

Suggestion #6 Bring new groups together and collaberate. As Bryan Mnemonic suggested at the launch of SL's group Ananse's Web, our sims can be like a blogroll, with links to sims that complement our interests. Ananse's Web (Ananse is the Ashanti people's wise trickster, the spider) is a group of those interested in promoting African and Diaspora studies in Virtual Worlds--an academically-oriented group whose launch included fascinating data on Africa's digital leaps by Khoisan Fisher, and a keynote address by Bryan (Prof. Bryan Carter in rl). These stimulating conversations energized the members, who followed the University of Delaware opening with a tour of Virtual Africa, the Middle Passage Experience, Indea Vaher's Remembrance, and Virtual Harlem (the latter Bryan's project). Discussion afterwards was at Saminaka, but drew several treasure hunters, who quietly absorbed the group's broad range of topics.

Suggestion #7. Relax and enjoy yourself. Have spontaneous events, chat with visitors, make new friends, and listen to people--that will help you propel things forward and realize that those many rl hours were well worth it.

The festival closed with a splendid party, and some of us continued to linger there, reluctant to leave the happy companionship that had developed throughout the weekend. Nigerians who didn't know Saminaka existed found it, as did folks from all corners of the world. Satisfying, indeed!

2009-10-06T16:09:00.005-04:00

Solylence combines Senegalese elegance and Parisian chic in her lovely African attire for men and women.

Visit it at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Robben%20Island/123/191/21

2009-10-06T15:55:00.005-04:00

KABAKA! Urban Savage Essentials

Great Gear & Gadgets at Low Prices!! Free Fireworks, Chat Spy, Twitter HUD, Brass Knuckles, Status Monitor, African Baskets & Grass Mud Huts, Bartenders Assistant, Custom Tombstone, Email Messaging Status Monitor, Attacking Hornets Nest Beehive, Punk Rock Shirts, Chat Spy, Camouflage Camo gear, Talking Parrot, Roman Candles, Twirling Firesticks for dancing and much much more!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alpha%20Centauri/182/62/27

African Festival Photo Contest

2009-10-06T13:27:00.008-04:00

Saminaka's African Festival included a photo contest, and winner RiddleRay Rembrandt offset Saminaka's lush foliage with the

spread of its peacock's

plumage.

He rightly reminded me that contest boards should probably be rectangular, as that is the format of most SL photos--his certainly shows to greater glory released from its square format!

Kishi Sorbet stuck to the square, and took a fascinating shot of herself from an aerial view. She blends into the cracked earth and the forlorn tusks of past elephants.

Artemisia Mathy, on the other hand, took a photo on AfricaLive (we were promoting African flora and other African sims, too) with her beloved mangroves. Artemisia has a mangrove project there, with lots of information on their endangerment (and that of the manatees, who live amongst them).

SL's ability to choose your time of day and any possible angle allows for some fascinating possibilities; we had more entries, but no more with full perms by press time. There will be more contests, because I love to see the creativity of Saminaka's visitors!

2009-10-06T13:21:00.003-04:00

Our readership keeps growing! This week it's 1473. Take advantage of our low rates and readers who love quality merchandise, and advertise with us.

All ad payments are in-world and in lindens. Ads for the coming week should be submitted by noon SLT Saturday (in a pinch, we'll take them later).

Single ad, no photo, one week. maximum 5 Blogger lines: 50L
Single ad, photo, one week. Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 100L
Single ad recurring, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 175L
Single ad recurring, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 325L
Single ad changing week-to-week, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 180L
Single ad changing week-to-week, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 425L
If you want longer text, more than one photo, or a longer ad run, prices will be adjusted. Contact Tamsin Barzane through inworld notecard or at tbarzane@gmail.com

FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

2009-10-06T13:10:00.001-04:00

Oliha is on vacation this week.

2009-10-06T13:00:00.004-04:00

AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES ON SAMINAKA!

SULTAN OLIHA YIWAMA (HIGH PRIEST OF AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES)

EXPERIENCE THE ANCIENT SECRETS OF AFRICA!!!

Divination/Consultations
African Medicine
African Naming Ceremonies
African Weddings
Initiations
Shrine Work
Compelling Magic
Unjinxing

Orisha store coming soon!

IM Oliha Yiwama for a consultation. Reasonable rates.

2009-10-06T12:58:00.002-04:00

20 New Makeups, Two New Skin Tones & Five New Basic Options! - Twenty beautiful makeups, in 8 skin tones for best possible match for YOU! Everything from a dark tan, suitable from every avatar, to a rich dark Maple that just conjures the Nubian Queen.

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Join us at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kiko%20Life/209/108/1505

2009-10-06T12:54:00.002-04:00

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2009-10-06T12:52:00.000-04:00

OCHL ENTERPRISES
Read the blog at http://www.fatimaochl.net/, get an introductory copy of OCHL's GUIDE TO MUSIC AND DANCE IN SL at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deminis/133/206/30

HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

2009-10-06T12:40:00.001-04:00

Solylence Houston and Nygela Paris are both taking African clothing stalls, and we welcome other vendors with a zest for things African! 25 prims for 150 a week--contact Tamsin Barzane

2009-10-06T12:26:00.005-04:00

WETIN BE DAT? Pidgin English phrase of the week

2009-10-06T12:20:00.003-04:00

Abeg--una say, "Make we gist," but now, sha, you wan say my tori get k-leg!

Please--you said we should discuss and trade gossip, but now you want to tell me you don't believe my story!

MY PEOPLE SAY--NIGERIAN PROVERB OF THE WEEK

2009-10-06T12:17:00.003-04:00

"The man seated before delicious food cannot fathom the bitterness of hunger." Yoruba proverb

2009-10-06T12:10:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 pm slt Egbe Akowe meets. Join Saminaka's writing club for stimulating prompts and weekly critiques of the resulting poetry and prose. Held at Saminaka's library. Slate, Scroll & Stick: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/167/183/29

Ongoing, until Oct. 15. Saminaka's great Cantaloupe Treasure Hunt allows you to wear a new calabash on your head, this time loading it with half cantaloupes as you search through the sim for 20 of the fruits. They're all hidden near Nigerian plants, and pile up in your calabash as you find them. All located? Go back to base and touch the giant cantaloupe for a grand prize. All prizes transfer. Any that are gender-specific include both a male and female version. All prizes unique to the hunt, comprising clothing, furniture, art and other goods with an African plant theme. The starting point can be reached from teleporter via Saminaka's infohub tent, or at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/93/66/30

SKIN/SHAPE EXPO 2009 IN SECOND LIFE

2009-09-29T21:30:00.022-04:00

The Skin/Shape Expo opened over the weekend (and stays open through Oct. 10 on the KMADD Events sim), and my pal Charity Richez (she is, as Tomi Melendez says, one of the "skin whores") and I were itching to get in. But you know how it is with these things--the sim is packed and you get the dreaded message "Region is full." Didn't they know I was an intrepid reporter? But I had my strategy--an early riser, I'd hit it Monday morning, 6 est US time--those skin-hungry Europeans would be at work, respectable East Coasters would be taking their showers and having breakfast, and many further west would be fast asleep. I wasn't sure where on the clock the Asians would be, but I figured I could elbow my way in.

And so I did! But I must say that the next few HOURS were fraught with molasses-like movement, numerous crashes, and mounting irritation as rezzing took forever. Of course, many skin vendors are heavily scripted, so buyers have their choice of shades or, for the men, beard and moustache variations. And the builders tried. Their incredibly boring grey barracks were intended to keep texture-loading to as much of a minimum as possible. But I missed the Candyland fun of the Hair Fair!

I was a responsible visitor, shedding my flexiskirt, shoes and prim hair to keep my ARC down--not even an AO. But of course I had no fabulosity thus, and skulked about, hoping not to see any familiar faces. Thank god for the camera and its ability to pry up the street and in the door! I stood still and explored as much as I could from a statue-like position. One bold visitor shouted, "Hey! Who took a picture?" Why, me! I'm a reporter, not a content thief! And my readers want to see what's up!

I'm NOT a skin whore, as earlier readers of the Compass know. It took me two years plus to change my skin from an attractive (well, I thought it was!) freebie into a Kiko lovely--and Kiko has my loyalty. In fact, I felt so badly that Osuntomi Melendez/Kiko Moleno didn't have a Kiko Life booth, since her Mac has been giving her rl blues for a few weeks. But perhaps she wouldn't have wanted one--a recent message from a would-be shoe fair participant made me realize that I don't know how these things work--are they invitation-only? Do sellers pay much for the privilege? Is sponsorship huge? Does it result in enormous surges of sales? The only clue was that this Expo, like Hair Fair before it, gave some of its profits to charity--the Susan Komen Search for the Cure, in this case.

So what did I find? Oh, are you expecting me to rant that their were slim pickings of dark skins amongst the pale? Actually there were more sepias and umbers than I had expected, and even the official poster featured the attractive muscled back of an ebony gentlemen. What there were few of were male skins--and they need more, white, black, yellow, tan, green!

Also relatively few fantasy style skins--only a few Gothic ones, and a little sprinkle of runny mascara or arabesqued skin doodads. Some of the darker skins fell prey to most of the pitfalls of white makers--they just brown up their white skins, without understanding the range of undertones and highlights that keep brown skins from looking flat.

Shapes? Most model thin, a few curves, but again, people forget how much the shape makes the skin--more variety in facial features would be nice. In my snapping frenzy, I took photos of what I thought were good examples in the "ethnic" lines, and bulked up on demos of shapes so I could play and see how my skin looks with different features--just an experiment, mind!

I'll tell you this, as someone who has always made her own (and all her alts'!) shape, I was shocked to see that some shapes were in the 800 to 1000L category. Why? You're carefully playing with sliders, but... The cost of skins I can understand better--you have to be an artist to do it, you have to experiment to even make the templates comprehensible, no one wants to give their trade secrets away in classes or full tutorials, and to do a good one requires a learning curve and artistry. But a shape? Puhleeze! (Oh, do lambast me and tell me I'm wrong; the Compass hasn't gotten a comment in months).

Okay, some observations. To my understanding, Adam & Eve have been around for a long time, and their understanding of skins and shapes shows. I was drooling over Tiberius as if he were in a plexiglass booth, tempting me to...umm...smile at him! Both shape and skin were for sale (though separately); I've always thought that's a sensible approach. Some nice women's skins here, too.

MAD Designs was another winner, particularly good at capturing a haughty expression that could outstare clumsy gents. The skins had the 3D quality and glow that comes from truly understanding color theory in a painting class--not just a quick Photoshop tutorial.

Some great Asian skins at [42], which also had a delicate quality to its displays. I enjoy the
mood some good designers' ads themselves create, with lovely composition and a firm feel for
establishing a brand with their photography style.

Body Doubles had some great African American skins sprinkled amongst those of the paler nation, and they were done with flair--no mere brown Barbie dolls here! Nor was their "Congo" just a tanned Ken--he was "shape specific" as they termed it, and his nose and lips reminded me of the delectable Avon on "The Wire"--I was ready to tell Tiberius to get asteppin'!

Mannequin also had some lovely women's shapes, as did Damian.

In short, it was all worth seeing. But
could the same effect have been had with less wear and tear if the sim had been a sort of 3D blog rather than temporary stores with scripting? I would have loved to roam through, and if I were a serious skin fiend, pick up LMs and a catalogue, or tp back and forth to the stores. Seeing the images would act as the lure, more vendors could participate, perhaps, and the whole experience would lack the frustrations produced by excessive laaaaaaaaaaag.

But do go. You'll enjoy it! There are far more vendors than I mention here, but I hope I kept my Compass readers' interests at heart as I selected the places noted here.

As for me, I'll be in Kiko butterscotch till my sell-by date, and then some!

2009-09-29T21:29:00.003-04:00

Sponsoring the African Festival on SL! Listen to their great DJs....

2009-09-29T20:36:00.001-04:00

20 New Makeups, Two New Skin Tones & Five New Basic Options! - Twenty beautiful makeups, in 8 skin tones for best possible match for YOU! Everything from a dark tan, suitable from every avatar, to a rich dark Maple that just conjures the Nubian Queen.

With new default hairbase options and plump, yummy boobs, our packages are some of the best value for money you can find in Second Life.

Our sim is one of the most unique sims devoted to ethnic avatars in SL. We provide not only some of the finest ethnic skins for men and women in Second Life but we've created a a lush upscale environment in which to shop, live, hang out with friends, and enjoy your Second Life. We also boast one of the densest concentrations of high-quality ethnic designers and fashion in SL. This is not your typical urban mall. Looking for elegance class and quality? Walk through the sim! A pleasure to the senses and eyes--you won't regret your stroll.

Join us at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kiko%20Life/209/108/1505

2009-09-29T20:33:00.000-04:00

Ads! We have an initial special offer for you, whether you are shopkeepers or classified customers! Remember you can advertise your shop, feature an item, or try to sell a transferable item. If your ad has a photo, it costs more. There are discounts for extended runs of the same ad, and lesser discounts if you have constant ads, but they vary from week to week. YOU CAN ALSO USE THIS VENUE TO ADVERTISE RL OBJECTS AND SERVICES; LIST YOUR EBAY OR OTHER SITE AND REACH OUR CUSTOMERS (Tamsin Barzane will never reveal your rl identity to readers). All ad payments are in-world and in lindens. Ads for the coming week should be submitted by noon SLT Sunday.

Single ad, no photo, one week. maximum 5 Blogger lines: 50L
Single ad, photo, one week. Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 100L
Single ad recurring, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 175L
Single ad recurring, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 325L
Single ad changing week-to-week, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 180L
Single ad changing week-to-week, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 425L

If you want longer text, more than one photo, or a longer ad run, prices will be adjusted. Contact Tamsin Barzane through inworld notecard or at tbarzane@gmail.com

These are introductory prices--no telling if they'll last more than a month! Get em while you can! This is our SIXTEENTH ISSUE, and we're up to 1365 readers! Our readers come from all over the world. WE GROW DAILY!!

2009-09-29T20:32:00.000-04:00

Professional Tarot Readings by Feresight

The road is never closed. Tarot can help you find your way through the confusion!

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Direction, focus, decision.

Professional results at a fraction of the RL cost!

500L or your goodwill payment. If not satisfied, do not pay.

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Under the Mango Tree--Tamsin Barzane

2009-09-29T20:07:00.011-04:00

cacao recently participated in Avenue's Ebony Show. Our first fashion show! It was a thrill to be invited, but I was going to pass, not being sure the outlay (for you have to pay!) would be worth the payback.

But I was seduced by the lure of the catwalk and all those teenage perusals of Vogue. Oh yes, child, I wore high style, personally sewn Vogue patterns through high school and college when every other girl had her jeans and T on! And walked through snow drifts in open toed stilettos, too!

I understand the costs. Lag forces organizers to rent a sim, and they pay for models, accessories, designers. There was an afterparty, there were photographers.

But where was I? Well, in rl I was out at the zoo, and a cute little sprite just didn't seem to deserve me rushing back for SL just when she saw her first gorilla...

So I missed it. These wonderful photos were taken by the Avenue folks, and it is fun to see my creations on a shot-hip sylph. And the Avenue folks were very organized, professional and pleasant, so I'm sure the event itself was a big hit, and I really regret not seeing it.

BUT...for those of you who have also been invited to participate in an SL fashion show and are wondering if it's worth it, let me just say this: it took place over a week ago, and I have not had a single sale since.

For my money, being in a hunt brings in interested traffic, though not many sales, and the single best grabber of new customers? Why, it is the economical Midnight Mania board.

They come, they click, they sometimes buy. And as for groups and notices? Do Vain--they're free, pending approval (which ensures quality), and they are the friendliest, funniest group chats ever--I never click them off! Rosalee Canning rules the roost with a wry and happy hand, and Vainers know where EVERYTHING worth knowing in SL is. You can't go wrong!

FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

2009-09-29T20:06:00.004-04:00

“Come to me, my love...”

African medicine is a really in-depth practice that includes not only the physical, but the spiritual, psychological, emotional, and mental aspects of the individual and community. Each aspect also includes use of herbal and ritual methods of medicine. I have touched upon traditional African medicine in earlier columns, but the realm of African medicine is vast.

One of the categories of traditional African medicine I like to approach is Compelling Medicine. In general, in traditional African thought, a native doctor, through understanding the physical application of medicines, believes that a person can be controlled, or compelled to perform or restrained from doing a number of activities. Probably the most famous of the compelling medicines are the ones that will make a lover or potential lover fall head-over-heels with the person using the medicine. Those that draw money are equally popular.

Africans have been using advanced forms of science for many generations, before Western medicines attained similar concepts. For instance, in many love medicines or potions, some part of the potential lover's DNA material is required, whether bodily fluids, hair, or a piece of one of their garments. Although not used for love medicines, Western science now recognizes the concept and value of DNA's unique combination in one particular person, and its ability to identify that person.

Well, Africans were aware of that general scientific concept for centuries! Personal DNA, mixed with herbal, mineral and animal ingredients, usually along with an incantation used to spark or enhance the potency is the method employed to attract love and money.

Probably the most famous place where compelling medicines have made their mark is in Nigeria. Ads by native doctors who possess compelling medicine are frequent, and the clients who use compelling medicine are more frequent than the ads.

Although Nigeria may be well known for its compelling medicines, love and money are the preoccupation of the world. People go to soothsayers, seers, prophets, priests, clergy, and their mothers to find ways to bring love and money--which are often related!

Love and money-compelling medicines also made their way to the Americas via West Africans. Here they go by a variety of names: gris-gris, hand, mojo hand, jomo, root bag, luck hand, conjure bag, toby, savon patchuoli soap, money drawing candles, etc. For the love of money!

Compelling medicines have been tried and tested for centuries, and still find their place during this modern era. Well, you be the judge. Love and money drawing medicines will soon be sold at the Iyawo store on Saminaka. See ya there!

2009-09-29T20:06:00.002-04:00

AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES ON SAMINAKA!

SULTAN OLIHA YIWAMA (HIGH PRIEST OF AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES)

2009-09-29T20:04:00.001-04:00

OCHL ENTERPRISES
Read the blog at http://www.fatimaochl.net/, get an introductory copy of OCHL's GUIDE TO MUSIC AND DANCE IN SL at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deminis/133/206/30

HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

2009-09-29T19:59:00.004-04:00

***The temporary festival market has been set up for Oct 1 through 4! Maybe you can snatch a stall for your African goods, if you move fast! We will be getting a lot of traffic with the Cantaloupe Treasure Hunt, so you can't lose! Specialty items galore

***Our new cacao mainstore has been built, its exterior a carefully-crafted Hausa building. Some stock is inside, but the festival has postponed its grand opening and new items. Stay tuned, since Cinnamon Brigade and Tropicality will be partially folded into cacao, the latter taking on a new direction....

2009-09-29T19:49:00.007-04:00

Devotees of Oshun, the lovely orisha of Nigeria's Oshun river and the New World's freshwater rivers and waterfalls, reveals her seductive powers of love in this Brazilian-style gown and crown with flexi veil. She's a golden woman, flashing her brass and drawing every eye! A coquette with a scripted fan, sweeping her lashes and throwing flirtatious glances. Complete with jewelry and a vase of her favorite sunflowers, you won't want to resist her. At Iyawo http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/128/199/30

WETIN BE DAT? Pidgin English phrase of the week

2009-09-29T19:49:00.001-04:00

"You no go sabi am!"

"You won't know it!"

MY PEOPLE SAY--NIGERIAN PROVERB OF THE WEEK

2009-09-29T19:46:00.001-04:00

“Medicine that is mixed with food – if it does not cure the disease, it will cure hunger.” Nupe proverb

Oh, nothing is useless!

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Sept. 29 to Oct. 5

2009-09-29T19:27:00.003-04:00

Thursday, Oct. 1. It's Nigerian Independence Day, and Saminaka is kicking off SL's first African Festival! The Cantaloupe Treasure Hunt with fabulous Nigerian plant-related prizes (clothes, jewelry, furniture, more!) will be underway, as will the Nigerian Plant Exhibit, the Nupe Culture Exhibit, the Horse in Africa Exhibit, and three Photo Contests! Not to mention the vendors' stalls....

Thursday, Oct. 1, 5 pm SLT We're kicking off the festival with a DJ'd dance party and loads of music! Also fireworks! And we hear some masquerades may show up....

Friday, Oct. 2, 5 pm slt Oliha Yiwama will be getting out his rl drums and giving an exciting talk and demonstration about African music! Don't miss it--he didn't have an Afro-Cuban dance band for years for nothing! Plus his training in Nigeria.....

Friday, Oct. 3, 6 pm We're inviting all SL equestrians--and even the horses themselves--to come out for a durbar, where horses and riders are decorated to the teeth and prance around to the wonderment of others. And afterwards? Why, a dance party with African music, of course!

Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 am slt Tamsin will trot out the slides and give a talk about African art and its rules--were they meant to be broken? If you've ever been a little puzzled about why African art looks the way it does, come and rev up your knowledge pronto!

Saturday, Oct. 3 noon slt Oh, today is the decorated canoe regatta! How many will there be? One? Two? Dozens? Get yourself down to Saminaka's infohub tent in advance and pick up a canoe box with free mod canoe, some pennants, and a link to a rl Nigerian regatta, and get to decorating! Tam will give you permission to rez your canoe if you arrive 10 mins or so in advance. And there's a prize....

Saturday, Oct. 3 5 pm slt Masqueraders, acrobats, stiltwalkers galore! Put on your costume and join us, or just gawk! And right after the regatta and masqueraders, it's time for another African dance party--pull out the stops!

Sunday, Oct. 4, 11 am-2pm (this will be off-sim, starting at the University of Delaware's SL Headquarters, but there will be a tp at Saminaka to get you there from the infohub tent). The launch of Ananse, academics interested in Africa and the Diaspora in Virtual Worlds, gets underway with a talk by two content persons AND techies: Britain's Khoisan Fisher introduces Bryan Mnemonic, who will discuss Virtual Harlem and the Virtual Age. Afterwards, guided tours of Virtual Africa, The Middle Passage in Africa and the US, and Virtual Harlem.

Sunday, Oct. 4, 5 pm slt Our very own Oliha Yiwama is a man of many caps and crowns--two involve African divination and spiritual traditions, focusing on Nigeria's Edo and Yoruba people. Listen to this priest and diviner talk about African Spiritual Traditions, his American background uniting with 12 years of Nigerian training!

Sunday, Oct. 4, 6 pm slt Masqueraders, acrobats, and stiltwalkers tripping the light fantastic again, as a prelude to you dancing to terrific DJ'ed African music under the stars. A final fireworks display will herald the announcement of the winners of the photo contests AND--will you be the best-dressed African man or woman? Because each of them will get a prize too! Dress up!

This Week in the Compass

2009-09-22T15:19:00.002-04:00

This week our regular features are complemented by columns on African music, African masquerade, and African fashion--all in preparation for Saminaka's upcoming festival.

2009-09-22T15:17:00.001-04:00

20 New Makeups, Two New Skin Tones & Five New Basic Options! - Twenty beautiful makeups, in 8 skin tones for best possible match for YOU! Everything from a dark tan, suitable from every avatar, to a rich dark Maple that just conjures the Nubian Queen.

With new default hairbase options and plump, yummy boobs, our packages are some of the best value for money you can find in Second Life.

Our sim is one of the most unique sims devoted to ethnic avatars in SL. We provide not only some of the finest ethnic skins for men and women in Second Life but we've created a a lush upscale environment in which to shop, live, hang out with friends, and enjoy your Second Life. We also boast one of the densest concentrations of high-quality ethnic designers and fashion in SL. This is not your typical urban mall. Looking for elegance class and quality? Walk through the sim! A pleasure to the senses and eyes--you won't regret your stroll.

Join us at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kiko%20Life/209/108/1505

African Masquerade, Second-Life style!!!

2009-09-22T12:51:00.004-04:00

African masks hang on museum and collectors' walls, but African

masquerades dance, and masqueraders wear them. There! In one sentence, the kineticism of a masquerade, the terminology, and the combination of object and costume are laid out.

Masquerades in Africa are quite different from masquerade balls in New Orleans or Venice. Their appearance and impetus, as well as the identities of those who wear them, make them distinctive. In the continent, there's only one region (in parts of Sierra Leone/Liberia/Guinea) where women wear masquerades--here you see one at left in wooden mask and dyed black raffia costume. In the rest of Africa, it's men, men, and men.

While many masquerades are for entertainment purposes--a relief from the tedium of everyday life--more are involved with incorporating and impersonating spirits, whether ancestral or entities that inhabit the bush or waterways. Spirits, if you flatter them, can bring you blessings--and masquerades are a perfect way to swell their spirit breasts and make them feel magnanimous. Just because a masquerade has a spiritual dimension doesn't mean it is humorless. When teenage boys dress up as spirit women and insert padding or a stick to enlarge their buttocks, then proceed to burlesque women's walks and dances, hilarity ensues.

Some masquerades, however, are solemn or intentionally frightening. Igbo males spirits, for example, are represented with a fierce conglomeration of human and animal-like features that include tusks, sharp canines, and horns. They carry machetes and other weapons, and would rush the crowd if not restained by their "keepers." Yoruba witch-hunters are decorated with medicines, including small animal skulls, in an effort to warn malefactors that they, too, can kill.

Other masquerades were once human, and relish the chance to again dance with their family members, bestowing blessings on them.

At Saminaka's African festival, there will be periodic, as well as staged, appearances by a variety of African masqueraders. Would you like to be one? IM Tamsin Barzane, and she'll set you up, or check out the masquerade stall on the Festival market ground. See you there!

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2009-09-22T12:48:00.004-04:00

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2009-09-22T12:46:00.000-04:00

AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES ON SAMINAKA!

SULTAN OLIHA YIWAMA (HIGH PRIEST OF AFRICAN MYSTICAL SCIENCES)

UNDER THE MANGO TREE--Tamsin Barzane

2009-09-22T11:27:00.004-04:00

African fashion!!! Yes, the upcoming African Festival on Saminaka (Oct. 1-4) will include a competition, with prizes going to the best dressed male and female in African attire. While Saminaka sells traditional clothing at Cinnamon Brigade (soon to be folded into our cacao megastore), other excellent finds are available elsewhere in SL, and some will be sold at the booths in our festival market. But what about fashion IN Africa?

Basically African fashionista(o)s fall into four categories: those who follow changing textile fashions but who stick to traditional clothing shapes that change little (the wrapper and buba, the agbada or boubou "big gowns" for men, the men's caftan or dashiki or wrapper), those who wear what foreigners think of as traditional dress, but are really 20th century inventions (the long skirt with overblouse that can vary tremendously over time; the pants/top combos from wax prints for men), those who wear the latest foreign labels, and those who are couturiers, taking ideas and fabrics and transforming them into alta moda, international class Fashion with a capital "F."

This last group has members who have created spectacular looks featured in Paris and Milan, and I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorites, both for her outrageous twists and turns on traditional dress and objects, and for her artistry. Her name is Oumou Sy, an elegant woman in her fifties, and she is based in Dakar, Senegal, but has shown her works to international acclaim in Europe and elsewhere.

Ms. Sy has injected humor as well as beauty into her designs, possibly because she comes from theatrical roots--parlaying them into the foundation of the Dakar Carnival, and International Fashion Week in Dakar. She's always on top of things, creating the first cybercafe in Senegal years ago, along with an enchanting website.

Her stores in Geneva and Paris sell to the ultrafashionable, and she designs for World Music superstars like Youssou n'Dour. She's won the enviable couture Prince Claus award, as well as the French government's Legion d'Honneur.

Her designs sometimes inject matting, or small calabash gourds, or other items not usually combined with clothing, including masks and musical instruments.

When she takes an ethnic group as inspiration, her riffs are often awe-inspiring. A silver Tuareg item becomes aggrandized into a breastplate and helmet, or a gold Fulani earring becomes a sleeve.

Sy has not limited herself to the elegant fashions of her home area, but draws on inspiration from the entire continent--whether through materials (a lovely series of feathered gowns), textiles or accessories.

Sy's inventiveness and theatricality remind me of her age-mate Julie Taymore, the director and costumier who shaped Broadway's Lion King, as well as the films Titus, Frida, and the upcoming Spiderman, the Musical. With Sy's involvement in projects in partnership with her filmmaker husband Michel Mavros, such as the exciting Sahel Opera project (which he directs), perhaps her eye will turn in future to projects similar to Taymor's, injecting a new vision into art forms we are more familiar with.

And if her interests keep you more firmly rooted in couture? Then we have much to ahead to, since her own imagination and the visual resources of the continent seem inexhaustible. I guarantee you cacao's haute couture division is likely to feel the Sy excitement and figure out ways to absorb her magical touch with fabric's and fashion.

See some catwalk videos of Oumou Sy's work here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeiXgcDkVpI

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BotvDlSpbA

Advertisement**

2009-09-22T09:34:00.001-04:00

Ads! We have an initial special offer for you, whether you are shopkeepers or classified customers! Remember you can advertise your shop, feature an item, or try to sell a transferable item. If your ad has a photo, it costs more. There are discounts for extended runs of the same ad, and lesser discounts if you have constant ads, but they vary from week to week. YOU CAN ALSO USE THIS VENUE TO ADVERTISE RL OBJECTS AND SERVICES; LIST YOUR EBAY OR OTHER SITE AND REACH OUR CUSTOMERS (Tamsin Barzane will never reveal your rl identity to readers). All ad payments are in-world and in lindens. Ads for the coming week should be submitted by noon SLT Sunday.

Single ad, no photo, one week. maximum 5 Blogger lines: 50L
Single ad, photo, one week. Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 100L
Single ad recurring, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 175L
Single ad recurring, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines: 325L
Single ad changing week-to-week, no photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 180L
Single ad changing week-to-week, photo, one month (4 issues). Text maximum 5 Blogger lines. 425L

If you want longer text, more than one photo, or a longer ad run, prices will be adjusted. Contact Tamsin Barzane through inworld notecard or at tbarzane@gmail.com

These are introductory prices--no telling if they'll last more than a month! Get em while you can! This is our FIFTEENTH ISSUE, and we're up to 1290 readers! Our readers come from all over the world. WE GROW DAILY!!

FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

2009-09-22T08:56:00.004-04:00

Africa! Yes, you probably have surmised it already, it is the birthplace of music. Feet stomping. Hands clapping. Voices heralding both physical and spiritual sounds. And the mulitdue of instruments, marimbas, balofons, flutes, koras, horns, and, of course, drums.

Drums are a universal symbol of Africa. Even the youngest of children associate drums with Africa, as well as they should. Africa has a variety of drums. They can often mimic the languages of many ethnic groups, if the language is tonal.

Nowhere else is this more evident than in Nigeria. In traditional Nigerian groups, drums are played in a ensemble. The ensemble is arranged around the concept of the family: there is a mama drum, a papa drum and a baby drum. The mama drum is usually the biggest drum and has the deepest tone. The papa drum has a higher tone than the mama drum, but is lower than the baby drum, which has the highest of the tones. Each drum is regulated to a particular rhythym, and the entire ensemble is played in a call-and-response manner.

Similar to real life, the mama drum makes the call to the papa and baby drums, and the they must respond to the mama drum with the appropriate rhytym.

The call and response method evolved into many aspects of drumming. One of the most prominent examples is that of Yoruba drumming. Yoruba drumming can be categorized as sacred and secular, for the sake of convenience. However, even in the latter, the feeling of sacred is always lurking in the background.

In Yoruba Orisa worship, the drums are played to invoke different deities. Sacred rhythyms are played to invoke the Orisa on a certain frequency or energy field. It is believed that each Orisa has his or hers own frequency. Once the drummers have reached that energy field through music, the Orisa is brought down to the congregation of worshippers through trance possession. The person possessed then becomes the vehicle of the Orisa. The Orisa speaks of predictions for many of the initiates, while the rhythymic drums are playing.

One of the reasons that drummers are held in such high regard is for that ability. Yoruba drummers usually accomplish this task through the sacred bata drums. The bata drums are played in threes and consist of the iya, baba, and omo drums. The head drummer is called the Olubata, and plays the Iya drum that calls out to the other family members. Through these drums, additional worshipping is accomplished through dancing and singing.

In Africa, drummers are held in high regard for the many services they provide. From sacred to secular situations, drummers provide inspiration. Drummers call the many deities to the initiates, provide announcements and provide entertainment.

Saminaka will be holding an African Festival from Oct 1-4 and will include music that will heavily emphasize drumming. Saminaka wil also provide drumming circles in the near future for those who wish to experience the African drum and participate in a virtual world.

Advertisement**

2009-09-22T08:55:00.001-04:00

OCHL ENTERPRISES
Read the blog at http://www.fatimaochl.net/, get an introductory copy of OCHL's GUIDE TO MUSIC AND DANCE IN SL at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deminis/133/206/30

HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

2009-09-22T08:44:00.003-04:00

***IYAWO is open on Saminaka! This fascinating store (formerly was to have been named Adire Extraordinaire) combines images drawn from the Yoruba diaspora to clothing and ritual objects from that diaspora! It's still growing, but orisha dresses for Yemanja, Oshun and Oya are out, all in Brazilian style. More orisha clothing in different traditions will be added, for women and men.

***Changes are still afoot for the grand opening of the cacao megastore on Saminaka, due to take place next week! For the moment, furniture cannot be found, because Gidan Magarifi's stock has been removed for the building of the new store--it will find its way back, in new and improved form!

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2009-09-22T08:35:00.003-04:00

Ah, Bahia! First capital of Brazil, and center of Afro-Brazilian culture!

This Bahiana outfit made from cut lace is still a favorite with ladies who sell Yoruba food outside--aracaje and other delicacies--and also with those who belong to orixa houses. Prim attachments make all the difference here--authentic from its transparent lace overblouse to its gathered sleeves! Celebrate culture!

WETIN BE DAT? Pidgin English phrase of the week

2009-09-22T08:30:00.002-04:00

Dat babe get face-o, but na only pancake nyash.

That girl is pretty, but she has a flat rump.

MY PEOPLE SAY--NIGERIAN PROVERB OF THE WEEK

2009-09-22T08:25:00.001-04:00

"Only a fresh fish can be bent." Nupe proverb

Nigerians often curl a fish and peg it in that position in order to smoke it dry; they are here referring to training children.

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Sept. 22-28, 2009

2009-09-22T08:10:00.004-04:00

Tues, Sept. 22 at 6 pm SLT. Weekly meeting of Egbe Akowe Writers Group at the new Slates, Scrolls & Sticks, Saminaka's library cum bookstore. Join the group and receive its missives by hitting the Subscribe-o-Matic (it doesn't add to group count) at the meeting location. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Saminaka/174/194/30 or the Manatee Lookout Palm Wine Joint on Tarkwa Beach.

This week we will each be taking individual directions with the prompt "Africa" Come join us!

Thursday, Sept. 24 at 1 pm slt. European decorate your canoe workshop (American workshop next week)! Saminaka's African Festival is coming up fast, and you'll want to be part of the regatta--and maybe win a prize! The regatta is a Nigerian-style festive event, whereby participants decorate a canoe with canopy, pennants, even revolving platforms! If you're a regular builder, all you need to do is look at a slideshow, and you'll be on your way--but if you don't build much, you need a feel for how it's done. We'll give you a free, modifiable canoe and some full-perm pennants with instructions to get you started!

STILTWALKING--Tamsin Barzane

2009-09-15T09:34:00.002-04:00

Stilts. What you think of when you hear that word depends on your experiences. Maybe clowns at the circus with extraordinarily long legs, maybe Carnival performers. I think of Liberia. I’ve never been to Liberia, mind, but when I was young, my parents acceded to my birthday wishes and took me to see an African dance troupe performing in Philadelphia. There were dancers aplenty, but the stiltwalkers were taller than anything I’d ever seen on the Ed Sullivan Show (yes, dating myself), and moved with a majestically supernatural grace, their long, mantis-like legs covered with striped fabric.

In many regions of the world, stilts developed for work purposes. French shepherds used them to navigate over marshy ground and have an elevated viewpoint for tracking flock members, while drywall installers and painters often employ them to avoid climbing up and down ladders. Even fruit pickers in California sometimes prune trees and collect their bounty with ease of these elevators.

Entertainment has also been a major stilting function. Millennia ago, the Chinese began to use them for imperial performances. European festivals that feature dancing or racing take place in Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands. The Marquesas Islands of the South Pacific used to have races, as well as a form of stilt fighting. The Japanese played with them, calling them takeuma (bamboo horse). Many American street fairs and parades use them as major attractions. Cleveland’s Parade the Circle annual event (second Saturday in June—a fabulous Cleveland Museum of Art festival that is certainly not just for children) trains stiltwalkers, and in the weeks before the main event, teachers and returnees awe those working on their costumes with acrobatics and even soccer games.

This Parade’s stiltwalkers have a geneology direct from Trinidad and Tobago, for its organizer, artist Robin van Lear, has for twenty years brought in international artists with long pedigrees in the island nations’ Carnival tradition. And this tradition is one that features moko jumbies, costumed stiltwalkers who have been a part of Carnival for two centuries or more. They were not restrained to Trinidad; in St. Vincent of the Virgin Islands, a “mocko jumbo” on stilts was recorded in 1791, an animal head covering the performer’s own.

Trinidadian (and Tobago!) users are not precise about which part of Africa the moko jumbie came from, vaguely citing Kongo and Nupe sources—two unrelated ethnic groups vastly distant from one another, neither of which uses stilts today. Numerous West African groups are stilt users, however, including

Nigeria’s Urhobo, Gabon’s Punu, the Ivory Coast/Liberia’s Dan, Mali's Dogon, groups in the Senegambia, Mali, Guinea, Ghana and elsewhere.

The African stilts are often 12 feet high, and always worn by men. They are frequently masqueraders, faces covered. In some areas they are considered messengers to the ancestors or spiritual guardians. In others, they are dancers only, albeit mysterious ones whose abilities, by consensus, are attributed to powerful supernatural medicines. When performances take place at night, their looming presence can be positively frightening—they lope along, casting odd moonshadows, as drummers beat for them.

For Saminaka’s upcoming African Festival, Oct. 1-4, 2009, stiltwalkers from several traditions will stride across the landscape, reminding observers of a powerful tradition that crossed the Atlantic, and continues to spread. Would you like to join us as a participant, rather than just an observer? Contact Tamsin Barzane inworld, or here on the blog!

To see a West African stiltdancer from the Dan people, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7H9f0paCCo

To see “Mokolution”, a multi-part documentary from the American Virgin Islands about the tradition in both Africa and the Americas, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOU1TyYd_3U&feature=PlayList&p=516556F1AAEB4CE8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

THE SAMINAKA COMPASS

Wedding! Wedding! Wedding!--Tamsin Barzane

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Under the Mango Tree--Tamsin Barzane

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From the Suitcase--Oliha Yiwama

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Hawking in the Market--Saminaka Commercial News

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Wetin be dat? Nigerian pidgin English phrase of the week

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My People Say

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THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Nov. 3 to 9

Indigo and Nigeria--Tamsin Barzane

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Under the Mango Tree--Tamsin Barzane

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From the Suitcase--Oliha Yiwama

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HAWKING IN THE MARKET--Saminaka Commercial News

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Wetin be dat? Nigerian pidgin English phrase of the week

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My People Say

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This Week in the Compass--Oct. 21-27

Creativity and Intrusion in Second Life--Tamsin Barzane

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UNDER THE MANGO TREE--Tamsin Barzane

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FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

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HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

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WETIN BE DAT? Pidgin English phrase of the week

MY PEOPLE SAY--NIGERIAN PROVERB OF THE WEEK

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THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Oct. 13-20

African music in Second Life--Tamsin Barzane

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UNDER THE MANGO TREE--Tamsin Barzane

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African Festival Photo Contest

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FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

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HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

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WETIN BE DAT? Pidgin English phrase of the week

MY PEOPLE SAY--NIGERIAN PROVERB OF THE WEEK

SKIN/SHAPE EXPO 2009 IN SECOND LIFE

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Under the Mango Tree--Tamsin Barzane

FROM THE SUITCASE--Oliha Yiwama

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HAWKING IN THE MARKET--SAMINAKA COMMERCIAL NEWS

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WETIN BE DAT? Pidgin English phrase of the week

MY PEOPLE SAY--NIGERIAN PROVERB OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK IN SAMINAKA--Sept. 29 to Oct. 5

This Week in the Compass

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African Masquerade, Second-Life style!!!

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