Samaj School

Two Stone Mosaics

Two mosaics were commissioned by the new Samaj School in Langata in 2017. The Nakshi Glass Studio in Karen, Nairobi, was tasked with this project. The picture shows the mosaics right after their installation in March 2018. The designs were crafted by the studio’s international associate and approved by the involved committee. The mosaics were constructed in Kerugoya by mosaicist Githaka Karuri and his team.

The two planes of the new school building were envisioned as spaces for artworks, specifically stone mosaics. The large rectangular mosaic measures 9 meters by 4 meters. The left-hand mosaic, shaped like Kenya, is approximately 4.5 meters by 4 meters. The artist was given a series of symbols and the request to incorporate them, along with the elephant fountain from the original school, into a single mosaic design. Details of the symbolism are provided below. Stone mosaic is a time-consuming and physical medium, one of the earliest art forms. These mosaics were made using offcuts—essentially waste products from Kenya’s marble and granite industry. We’re deeply grateful to Maruti Mining and Hi-Tec Granite for supplying these materials. After the first design was completed, a second design was requested, incorporating the words “EDUCATION FOR ENLIGHTENMENT,” reflecting the school’s motto.

The company Esteel Construction, which built the modernist Sacred Heart Cathedral in Kericho, created a large stone mosaic for that building themed “Garden of Eden.” This work inspired Manu Bhudia to consider stone mosaics suitable for the new school building.

Symbolism

The Left-Hand Mosaic:

• The Fountain: Suggests water—here, knowledge—being drawn up and passed down.
• The Om or Aum Symbol: A key Hindu symbol representing the universe’s totality. Its pronunciation spans all vowel sounds, symbolizing Brahma (A), Vishnu (U), and Shiva (M)—three aspects of one god, interwoven yet distinct. Omkara, its visual form, embodies Hinduism broadly.
• Eagle: Garuda, Vishnu’s mount in Hindu mythology, symbolizes the sun, victory, intelligence (“the swiftest of birds,” Rigveda), and life.
• The Swan: Linked to Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and arts, often with a white lotus.
• The Lotus: Represents purity, eternal regeneration, and the unfolding of possibilities; Brahma’s throne.
• Light: Symbolizes the Self, Atman, spirituality, and Krishna’s manifestation as Lord of Light.
• Water: Birthplace of Agni, sustainer of existence; controlled by Varuna.
• Elephant: Ganesha’s vehicle, embodying strength, wisdom, and longevity; Airavata, ridden by Indra, supports the world.

The Right-Hand Mosaic:
This design reflects the range of study at Samaj School and College. It depicts two children reading books on the lower stairs, two older children ascending, and two graduates at the top—all within Kenya’s shape. The three books in the foreground use the colors of the Kenyan flag.