The
Chishakwe Crafts Project is part of the larger conservation effort.
As such, a heavy emphasis is placed on the sustainable use
of natural materials.
The Materials:
Wood: Some of the wood used has a long provenance; having been harvested
almost a century ago and having done long service as fence posts until
the fences were removed at the inception of the Save Valley Conservancy.
Other wood utilized is derived from the sustainable removal of exotic or
invasive species.
Sisal: Sisal plants are drought resistant, non invasive and
easily (and traditionally) cultivated in the villages. The leaves are
harvested and
stripped to create the plant strands that are then woven into a variety
of beautiful mats and baskets.
Cotton: Commercially prepared Zimbabwean cotton sheeting and embroidery
threads are utilized by skilled needlewoman to create exquisite hand sewn
tableware depicting local plants, animals and scenes .
Clay: Hand made, wood fired pots are made in the age old traditional
method. The clay is dug from natural deposits in the area.
Chishakwe
Community Project
Chishakwe Crafts Project