An incredible, rare collection of original, free-range weaving of striking, artistic designs by individual fiber artists from Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest township, where many of these weavers live.
Each artist, using a cotton-rich textile, has carte blanche on their own design, often weaving their own story into their work, bringing the rich tones and colors or urban and rural Southern Africa to life.
Country | Product Name+ | Price | Buy Now |
South Africa | Fertility Spirit Tapestry The fertility of a woman in African culture is part of her worth to the tribe. This thinking originates from a time when tribes relied on their ability to hunt, gather food and live in harmony. A good child-bearing woman would yield better numbers and assist in the upbringing of strong healthy hunters, and fertile women to bear their offspring. Today, fertility is still regarded highly, but the needs of modern tribes have changed. “Fertility Spirit” shows a young woman focusing and dreaming about children. As we know, the way to gain anything we desire, is to apply our own thoughts to the outcome extensively and with good intent. The fertility Spirit blesses those that acknowledge its presence and who are reminded that life begins in our thoughts. Handwoven by Ms Faith ...See More | $499.99 | Buy Now | |
South Africa | Mountain Zebra The mountain zebras differ from the Burchell’s zebra, the common zebra of the African plains, mainly by its prominent dewlap. It is a threatened species that was hunted to near extinction with less than 100 individuals by the 1930s. Fortunately, the population has increased in the wild thanks to concerted conservation efforts at the international, national and local level. Handwoven by Ms Noltha ...See More | $499.99 | Buy Now | |
South Africa | Mountain Zebra Tapestry - Design #2 The mountain zebras differ from the Burchell’s zebra, the common zebra of the African plains, mainly by its prominent dewlap. It is a threatened species that was hunted to near extinction with less than 100 individuals by the 1930s. Fortunately, the population has increased in the wild thanks to concerted conservation efforts at the international, national and local level. Handwoven by Ms Noltha ...See More | $499.99 | Buy Now | |
South Africa | Philani Rug/Tapestry Philani is a zulu name for boys meaning “we are in good health”. It is also used with celebrity and ruler associations and has numerological meanings. If Philani is the one, congratulations! Handwoven by Ms. Ntabeleng Measures approx. 35” x 55” ...See More | $399.99 | Buy Now | |
South Africa | The Chiefs Wedding Tapestry In traditional Xhosa culture a wedding is a large ceremony which extends past direct relatives of the bridal couple and can include neighboring villages. A cow (or more) is usually slaughtered to cater for the many mouths. The blood of the cow is also sprinkled across the brides feet; thereby acknowledging the ancient ancestors. This ritual is thought to place the new bride under the protection of the ancestors of the groom and his family and cement the welcoming into the family. If royalty is married, the ceremony is grander, the rituals more pronounced and the locally brewed beer (uqomboti) more flowing. In modern times this ceremony, as well as a “white wedding” are enjoyed to cater for guests across the cultural divides. Handwoven by Ms. Ntabeleng Measures approx. 63” x 42” ...See More | $499.99 | Buy Now | |
South Africa | The Liberation of Miss N The cow is collateral in many South African tribes. “Labola” – a dowry for marriage – consists of cows mainly. Women also exist within a hierarchy of status and fall under the umbrella of the man of the house. However, in more recent times, many educated women feel the need to break the old moulds and stand independent of their husbands or fathers. This is a trend globally and it is also within Africa. In Liberation of Miss N, the young lady is defying traditions and liberating herself. She is still a woman (no dress) but her circle of independence (hands) is closed by herself and not by a man previously needed to substantiate her place in this world. Handwoven by Ms Funiswa Measures approx. 36” x 51” ...See More | $499.99 | Buy Now | |
South Africa | Zulu Dancer Funiswa “Funi” created this tapestry with a careful attention to motion. She wanted her weave to have a fluid impression that took the viewer into the dance itself. Powerful, emotive,alive. The dance for kings and the dance for warriors... Funiswa “Funi” is one of South Africa’s most accomplished weavers and has been instrumental in the lives of over 300 women seeking to learn this art. Handwoven by Ms Funiswa ...See More | $499.99 | Buy Now |
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