Swaziland crafts

Swaziland is well known for having the greatest tourist attractions. Amongst the many attractions that Swaziland offers is the craftwork, which is a marvel to behold. Available in roadside outlets and specialist's stores, the handcraft ranges from decorative features, natural jewelery, clothing, glassware, tableware, giftware, Swazi candles and many more.

Initially the Swazi handcraft craft industry was driven by the need for survival but in recent years it has experienced a shift and now is used, amongst other various reasons, to carry messages that are meant to create HIV/AIDS awareness. There has also been the Africanism factor, which has contributed to the booming handcraft industry both in Swaziland and the rest of Africa . This has seen a shift in consumer demand; People are now opting for more ethnic objects and are celebrating their African heritage which provides a ready market in the Kingdom.

Swaziland is a very resourceful country. Most of the crafts they produced are mainly from grass weaving. Swazi people use grass to weave baskets for any use, floor and sleeping mats, tableware, grass curtains, chicken nests and more. In making this craftwork, a special type of grass (lutindzi) is sourced from the rocky mountains. The grass is very tough and has a waxy cuticle which makes it an excellent material for place mats as you can wipe them clean. 

The process starts by harvesting the grass, sorting it and then painting it with the desired colours after which the grass is weaved. For all the stages of production, professionals are required, people who know how to cut the grass not to destroy it. In weaving there is a special traditional knowledge in craft production is necessary. Dominating the grass weaving are women who work from their homes or in the developed cooperatives.

We invite you to take a moment to visit Africa's Largest auction site. You will find a lot of interesting African craft, pictures etc.. Click here to visit the site now.

First Published on the web in August 2007 on http://www.infoshopswaziland.com a website that provides comprehensive information about the Kingdom of Swaziland. This article can be republished on the web on condition that none of the web links are removed including the attributes/author section.