This intricately woven jewelry is made exclusively by Zulu women in South Africa. The Zulu Nation, one of the largest tribes in South Africa, well known as a tribe with a strong culture and tradition. They have produced traditional beadwork for centuries. Their jewelry was a form of communication, always made exclusively by women, but was worn by both women and men. In the past, messages were woven into the beadwork by using specific colors and/or shapes.
Today, most of those traditional symbols have disappeared as beadwork is predominantly being made for sale rather than for personal use. Many women in South Africa make beads as a means of survival. Although they are still using the traditional techniques and designs, most continue there craft to support themselves, as well as, their extended family and the families of others who have no income or whose adult members have died as a result of illness, often linked to Aids, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis.
The wire art is made by Zimbabweans who travel to South Africa to sell their crafts. Zimbabwe is currently burdened with an unemployment rate estimated to be around 80% which has resulted in a overwhelming influx of their citizens to South Africa. As a result, wire art is widely available.
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All items sold on this website have been purchased from impoverished communities. Extending their markets and supporting their crafts helps in creating a better opportunity for their survival and a hope for the future of their children.
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