In the Zulu culture of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region, a clay pot is no ordinary vessel. Traditionally made by the women in the community, the pot making is an art form passed from mother to daughter. Revealing an elegant simplicity and unique handmade patterning and decoration (tradition...
These very special baskets are crafted by the Wolof craftswomen of rural Senegal. They are woven from millet grass and recycled multi-coloured plastic threads, making each basket truly unique and special.
Senegalese baskets are great to use as storage, or simply to showcase as a work of art...
Amatuli recently received beautiful stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. The artist is well known for his magnificent, one of a kind, face sculptures. His name is Rizimu Chiwawa, son of the famous first generation ‘Shona sculptor’ Edward Chiwawa.
In 2014 Rizimu won the highly competiti...
We always suspected our aretfacts came alive at night - now we have proof!
Our mischievous meerkats are at it again, mistaking chilly weather for Christmas cheer, running amok in our store and causing chaos!
We need your help! Catch one of these crazy critter and chop 20% off your bill.
Things to...
We ended off our last lifestyle post “Curate your Space” with Michel de Montaigne words; “The most ordinary things, the most common and familiar, if we see them in their true light, would turn out to be the most marvellous.” These seem like the most fitting words to introduce...
Zanzibar, one of Africa's most exotic and legendary islands has always found a place in the heart of Amatuli. There is a magic that lives there, and if you can clear your mind and see past the many tourists, you are instantly transported back in time to an age of discovery, exploration, danger and a...
Tonga stools are one among hundreds of stools still being used in rural African villages. These particular stools are named after the Tonga people who originated in South Africa and overtime migrated north. Nowadays, this people group is referred to as “Tsonga” in South Africa, in Zimaba...
We recently received an exquisite range of enamelware products, each piece hand-painted by a Kashmiri artist. These artisans fall under the umbrella of a well-established company who passionately promote craftsmanship in the region, and look after the well-being of the community. Painters aren&rsquo...
Kuba cloth is made in the DRC’s Kasai district from raffia palm leaves, which are collected, dried and stripped into narrow fibers. Strands of raffia are woven on a loom by the Kuba men after they are beaten with a pounder to soften the fibers. The women in the tribe are responsible for the de...
Fante or Asafo flags are flying into interior spaces across the globe. We have always been drawn to these rich textiles. An interesting mix of colourful, contemporary and almost retro design, contrasted by age and African tradition, causes Fante flags to stand out in the arena of African art. Their ...
African folklore tells a tale about a noble man, a Malawian chief who married an African queen from the Mwangawa village. The chief loved his three daughters but his heart ached for a son. And so he left his home to fast and pray in the wilderness – a wild, wild wilderness, home to leopards an...
On the 20 August the tales of two great explorers collide.
Renowned photographer, David Ballam recently returned from the Omo Valley in Ethiopia where he captured an unbelievable portrait series on some of the world’s last unspoilt tribes.
Mark Valentine lets us in on his secrets to successf...
David Ballam is a true artist explorer, a photographer on the hunt for that next great shot. It’s no surprise that his work has found a home in our Kramerville warehouse. Alongside good coffee and a game of darts, Dave has an appreciation for solitude. His lone-ranger instinct has led him all ...
Throughout the ages, Nguni cattle have formed a vital part of the Zulu’s aesthetic and spiritual heritage. The lure and uniqueness of each cow’s skin called for a remarkable cataloging in the tribe’s oral poetry and storytelling.
The metaphorical interaction betwee...
From the earliest times nomadic tribes have used beads for adornment, magic and bartering. Beads are some of Africa’s oldest artifacts, unlikely to erode like other crafts. African artisans continue to create beautiful beadwork unique to their tribe or region.
NUPE TRIBAL NECK...