Ankhara, pronounced angk-kah-rah, is a harmonious blend of two rich cultural symbols. The 'ankh,' an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph, symbolising 'life' intertwines seamlessly with the vibrant West African wax print material known as 'Ankara.' This fusion is a true representation of Natacha Ajao's Nigerian and Egyptian heritage.

Our brand encapsulates the very essence of how vibrancy and heritage seamlessly weave into the tapestry of Ankhara's existence. As distinctive and recognisable as the ankh and Ankara fabrics themselves, we meticulously handcraft exquisite luxury pieces deeply rooted in African culture, elevated with modern design sensibilities.

Natacha's inspiration comes from her remarkable grandmother, a prolific socialite, businesswoman and the previous holder of the prestigious 'Iya Lode of Lagos' chieftaincy title. In the vibrant 80s, Natacha's grandparents would host lavish Owambe parties, where her grandmother and her friends were a vision of art in their vibrant lace ensembles. The pièce de résistance was always the exquisite matching leather shoes and bags that added the final, magical touches to their outfits.

This early immersion in the world of Owambe culture left a lasting mark on Natacha, igniting her passion for unique, eye-catching leather pieces. It became the soul and inspiration behind the Ankhara brand.

Ankhara is more than a brand; it's a heartfelt tribute to the generations of strength, style, and culture that have shaped Natacha's journey. Every leather bag we create is a testament to the legacy of our matriarchs and the rich heritage they passed down, a legacy that continues to inspire and enchant. 

Ankhara is both inspired and designed for women who dare to live boldly and unapologetically, leaving a legacy of liberation for the generations that follow.

Handcrafted in Nigeria

Each Ankhara piece is a labour of love, meticulously handcrafted by seasoned artisans in Nigeria. They skilfully incorporate traditional techniques passed down through generations, allowing us to preserve and honour the legacy of centuries-old African craftsmanship.

Our artisans approach every piece with a touch of unrivalled quality and attention to detail, resulting in unique, quality, limited-edition pieces. To support local communities and businesses, we proudly partner with entrepreneurs across the African continent to source materials, ensuring that our leathers are of the highest quality. We select materials in limited quantities, reflecting our commitment to sustainable practices.

Building Sustainably

We work with local traders to source small batches of upcycled leather, which means each production run is intentionally limited to reduce waste. No two batches are ever quite the same, so every bag is truly one of a kind. When you find a piece you love, we encourage you to give it a home—once it’s gone, it can’t always be recreated.