This carbon black pigment is made from the charcoal from the fires of local brewers in Sharon’s neighborhood in Lira. The pigment is very light in weight, but rich and intense. (Also, we have no trouble mixing it with gum arabic to make paint).

In the poorer neighborhoods of Lira, Uganda, local alcohol brewers play a significant role in the community’s daily life. These brewers, often working out of small, makeshift setups, produce traditional alcoholic beverages like “ajon” or “waragi,” which are popular among the locals. Brewing is usually done using basic ingredients like millet, cassava, or bananas, and the process is passed down through generations.

For many families, brewing is more than just a tradition, it’s a vital source of income in an area where job opportunities are scarce. The brewers are often women who manage both the brewing and selling, creating a small but essential business that helps support their households.

However, this local industry operates in a bit of a gray area. The brewing is mostly informal, with little regulation, which means that the quality and safety of the alcohol can vary. Despite this, these brewers are respected in their communities for their skill and for providing an affordable drink that brings people together in social settings. Whether it’s a gathering at a local bar or a casual chat among neighbors, these traditional brews are a staple of life in Lira’s poorer neighborhoods, reflecting both the resilience and the ingenuity of the people who make them.

(Brewer’s Charcoal Black: 20 ml = 7 g; 35 ml = 12 g; 55 ml = 18 g; sample = 1 g)