The African continent is filled with a crafty bunch, with men and women producing a wide range of arts and crafts. Working on the pavements, markets of the big cities to deep rural enclaves with every form of traditional art work. Here is presenting African arts and crafts that have been handcrafted by some of the most talented African crafts men and women.
BRIONE FURNITURE
Brione Furniture made from ostrich leather, nguni skin and much moreSWAHILI IMPORTS
Swahili Imports collaborates with hundreds of skilled artisans in developing countries to cultivate profitable endeavors that enrich lives, communities, and the world at large.Thousands of unique contemporary handmade pieces of art, reminiscent of the craft traditions of Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Haiti, and El Salvador represent Swahili Imports, a leader in the market. After more than nine years in business, Swahili Imports continues to foster social awareness about global interactions with Africa. Owner Leslie Mittelberg works with advocacy organizations like Aid to Artisans to maintain the principle of fair compensation for fair value; efforts that have successfully created opportunities in the global market that otherwise would not exist.
This beautiful hand carved wooden bench is crafted by artisans in Ghana. US$225
A traditional handmade cooking pot from the Luo tribes of Kenya. Hand painted geometric designs and bead work are added by a Nairobi artist US$36
This spectacular basket is woven from copper wire by artisans in Bamako, Mali. US$ 164
Hand carved from cow horn by talented Kenyan artisans, our versatile spreader makes a fabulous addition to any tabletop. US$12
More Information on Swahili Imports Click Here
FUNZI FURNITURE
Funzi Furniture Factory was established in Kenya in 1991 by Michael J Calnan, an Australian by birth. Having traveled most of Europe and Africa during the seventies he now lives and works on the beach in Tiwi just south of Mombasa.
"...I arrived in Kenya after my first overland journey across the Sahara desert in 1972. After some ten months on the road I arrived at the beach in East Africa and decided to stay...it was then I recognized in the local traditional craftsmen a wealth of talent laying mainly dormant"."...I have always believed in trade not aid in Africa; all the local people ever needed was a market to exhibit their wares... they certainly had access to some of the finest woods I have ever seen and their ability to work these woods was extraordinary. "
Elephant Tables -note the details AMAZING!!!"...they have an amazing eye for form. They do not, and need not obey the rules of the European philosophy of the straight line. A geometric shape that does not even occur in nature...everywhere one looks in Africa, on the beach, or in the bush, there are fascinating pieces of root or driftwood harboring natures own design , just waiting to be released through a skillfully wielded chisel of an African craftsman and a mountain of sandpaper."
The legs from this magnificent piece came from a log they found on their beach years ago.
Juma, one of the crafts men at Funzi Furniture was responsible for the carving of this desk leg was instructed to carve an African female head. He asked for more explicit instructions and was told to carve how he remembered his mother when he was young. Juma does has a beautiful mother.
More Information on Funzi Furniture Click HereOMONDI'S CRAFTY HANDS
The man with gifted hands Daniel Omondi at the Vermont's Awards Ceremony in Vermont, USAA furniture maker by training, Daniel Omondi Odhuno began learning his craft at age 13 in his father's workshop in Mombasa, Kenya - a workshop that has won national awards for its products. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Daniel inherited the business and proceeded to establish himself as an accomplished woodworker receiving national recognition by the UNCDF Micro-Enterprises Support Programme in 2001. Daniels carving utilizes local Swahili style of carving heavily influenced by the rich cultural and religious traditions of Oman and India. Daniels work features the complex geometric designs and floral motifs that have adorned furniture, doors, and homes along the East African Coast since the sixteenth century. Daniel shop can be Southern Vermont artisan center of Brattleboro USA.
More Information Omondi Woodworks Click here
DESIGN TRADE SOUTH AFRICA
DESIGN TRADE was founded by Justin and Annette Hodge in Cape Town, South Africa. Design Trade manufactures and trades in contemporary Interior Design as well as stylish accessories and exclusive gifts, all made in Africa. All products are created from selected, sustainable materials from certified sources and can be viewed in our showroom in Cape Town. Design Trade participates in local and international trade shows and festivals and do supply shops internationally.Wholesale and decorators’ inquiries are welcome and exporting goods world-wide is an easy task.
19 ostrich Egg 4 Ring Chandelier
Nguni Ottoman
Ivory Kudu Wall Light
3 Horn Floor Lamp
Springbok Horn Table Lamp & Quill ShadeMore on Design Trade Click here
CARVINGS FROM ZIMBABWE
Timberland Windows & Doors (Pvt.) Limited is a Zimbabwean company operating from Bulawayo, situated in the western half of the country near to vast forestry reserves from which the sustainable timber resources are procured to construct the wide array of wood products. For example doors, windows, furniture just to name a few.
Beautiful Carved DoorsMore Information on Timberland woods click here
ALL THIS IS TESTAMENT THAT AFRICA INDEED IS NOT ASLEEP
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