09 November 2026

Why Is Lake Turkana Called the Jade Sea? The Story Behind Our Jade Green Fish Leather Wallet

Why Is Lake Turkana Called the Jade Sea? The Story Behind Our Jade Green Fish Leather Wallet

Lake Turkana in northern Kenya is also called the Jade Sea, and for good reason: on calm days, algae rise to the surface and turn the water a deep turquoise green. It is the largest permanent desert lake in the world, and it is where Ambani Fish Leather has its roots. Here, by the Jade Sea, Ira and James had the idea to turn Nile perch skins that used to be thrown away into unique fish leather accessories.

Jade green is Ambani’s signature color, and we are proud to have it in our collection. The dark turquoise shimmers between green and blue and turns out slightly different on every piece, always with the distinctive scale texture and a glossy finish.

Smiling woman in an Ambani Fish Leather apron next to a close-up of a jade green fish leather wallet.
Ira from Ambani Fish Leather: a jade green wallet in the making.

Each wallet is made entirely by hand by the Ambani team, around 20 people at two locations who earn their living with this work. Cut, dyed and stitched by hand. Inside you’ll find black goat leather, a practical zippered coin pocket and compartments for cards and notes. Even a passport or a slim phone fits in. Size: approx. 21 × 12 × 3 cm, weight approx. 185 g.

The Ambani Fish Leather team in work clothes and aprons, standing together in front of their workshop in Kenya.
The Ambani team at their workshop in Kenya.

A GIFT WITH A STORY

Looking for a Christmas gift that is truly different? This wallet brings a piece of Lake Turkana to someone you love, made by the people who live there. Only a few jade green wallets are left, with a black, copper-colored or beige zip trim.

Three jade green fish leather wallets with black, copper-colored and beige zip trim, showing the scale texture.
Jade green wallets with black, copper-colored and beige zip trim.

ALSO IN RED AND NATURAL

The wallet also comes in red, perfect for Christmas, and in natural, undyed fish leather.

Fish leather wallets in red, jade green and natural, with one wallet open to show the black goat leather lining and compartments.
Red, jade green and natural, all lined with black goat leather.

Shop the jade green wallet → Black trim · Copper-colored trim · Beige trim

FAQ

Why is Lake Turkana called the Jade Sea?

Because of its turquoise green color, which comes from algae that rise to the surface in calm weather.

What is the wallet made of?

Nile perch fish leather from Lake Turkana in Kenya, lined with black goat leather.

Is fish leather durable?

Yes. Its cross-fiber structure makes it surprisingly strong. Read more

Is this a good Christmas gift?

Yes, especially for people who love unusual materials and gifts with a real story behind them.

DISCOVER THE PIECES

→ Shop the collection: Fish Leather Accessories
→ Read more: The Story of Ambani Fish Leather
→ Looking for a gift? Gifts for People Who Love Other Cultures

Rare Finds. Real People.

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