Driving Through the Wild
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I recently went on an incredible adventure in KwaZulu-Natal. My friend Binky and I decided to drive there because, as well as visiting her groups of weavers there, she wanted to bring back some delicate pots for her Design Afrika shop. We drove for three days, covering a distance of 1800km each way. Along the way, we saw so many amazing animals like Impala, Nyala, Wildebeest, and Giraffe. It was like being in a wildlife documentary!
Working with Talented Weavers
Once we arrived, it was time to get to work. We were visiting two groups of basket weavers who live in rural areas. Communication was a bit challenging because they didn't speak much English, but their weaving skills spoke for themselves. We were amazed at how quickly they understood our instructions and created beautiful new patterns and products.
A Sneak Peek into The Weavers' World
The weavers have a special hut where they do their weaving. On one side, you can see the hut, and on the other side, there's a traditional thatched rondawel where they store their finished baskets and palm leaves. It was fascinating to see their workspace and learn about their craft.
Awe-Inspiring Creations
During the four days we spent with the weavers, they made so many incredible things. Some of them might never be sold, but many will become popular items in our collections. It was like opening a surprise gift every day to see what they had created since our last visit. They were just as excited as we were about making new products.
An Unforgettable Experience
I feel
so fortunate that Binky invites me on these trips. They are truly unforgettable
experiences that stay with me all year long. When I talk to clients about where
our baskets come from, I can't help but share my enthusiasm for the amazing skills and speed of
these weavers. They are true masters of their art, and I am in awe of their
talent.
So, next
time you see one of our baskets, remember the incredible journey it took to
create it.
