Natural Fabrics from Namibia (April 2005)
Apart from their well-known carpets Ibenstein now
also uses natural fibres to make fabrics. Undyed
cotton, linen, bamboo and the locally produced
'Kalahari Silk' are woven into fabric on a semi-automatic
loom which was custom-made for Ibenstein in South Africa.
Patterns are the result of mixing the different materials.
The high-quality fabrics are sold by the metre and are well-suited
for clothing, curtains and table linen.
The Bank of Namibia has given Dr Sam Nujoma a 200-Namibia-Dollar-note as a farewell gift when he stepped down after 15 years as President of Namibia. The 'bank note' does not fit into any purse, though. Measuring 1.80 x 1.00 metres it has been created to adorn a wall: the Bank of Namibia commissioned Ibenstein Weavers to make the wall hanging and granted special permission to enlarge the original design of the banknote. The extraordinary present was woven by Likius Ananias and Isaak !Gameb within two weeks.
Weaver conquers Germany (October 2004)
Weaver David Kambote, who has been with Ibenstein for 42 years, was on his first visit to Germany recently. The occasion was the second 'South Africa Days' travel fair, arranged as a travelling exhibition by Süd-Afrika Magazin for friends of southern Africa. Accompanied by Ibenstein’s owner, Wolfgang Ramdohr, Kambote visited the cities of Cologne, Hamburg and Munich. When demonstrating his craftsmanship at the loom he often found himself to be the centre of attention.
Successful local Trade Fair (September 2004)
With a large selection of colourful masterpieces Ibenstein again presented itself to the mainly local public at this year’s trade fair in Windhoek. According to owner Wolfgang Ramdohr clients appreciate the opportunity to look at new designs and place more orders for tailor-made carpets or wall hangings. Ibenstein has been an exhibitor at the Windhoek Show for more than 40 years.
New Representative in Germany (April 2004)
Jochen Kessler, Ibenstein Weavers’ longstanding representative in Germany, has retired. Kessler played a crucial role in establishing a regular customer base in Germany and has represented the company at countless exhibitions for almost 30 years. But Ibenstein’s clients do not have to do without their carpets and services, of course. Samples are displayed at a guest house run by Jan-Hinrik Dircksen in Wremen on the North Sea cost. He also assists with orders.
Continuing the Family Tradition (September 2003)
Shortly after their marriage in April 2003 Anne and Wolfgang Ramdohr became the third generation to be in charge of Ibenstein Weavers. The young couple already started to work full-time in the family business in 2001. After 29 years of hard work Anne’s mother, Berenike Krafft-Gebhardt, is looking forward to retiring. Her mother, Marianne Krafft, established the company in 1952.
Looking back on 50 Years of Weaving (August 2002)
The 50th anniversary of Ibenstein Weavers was documented at an exhibition in the National Gallery in Windhoek with carpets made during five decades by three generations. Exhibits included a well preserved knotted carpet made by Marianne Krafft in the early days of the company. During the opening ceremony owner Berenike Krafft-Gebhardt awarded prizes to two weavers who have been working with Ibenstein for 38 and 40 years respectively.
