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.

Paper: A hand made paper project is in the process of being set up. The raw materials for the material will be entirely organic and will be derived from locally available natural fibres.

Chishakwe Community Project
Chishakwe Crafts Project
Chishakwe Research and Conservation