Utilizing remnants of colorful Zulugrass, Maasai artisans are designing one-of-a-kind strands to symbolize the bright futures of educated children. Buy Zulugrass=Educate Kids. The Leakey Collection will donate 100% of their profits from the sales of these bracelets to pay for teachers' salaries in rural Kenya. Each 26" strand is packaged on a special tag explaining how the proceeds will be allocated. Wear it wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle, or long as a necklace. 

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

This bracelet will feature a variety of colors; each one is unique.

These African wine stoppers are cast from zinc and electroplated with an antique brass finish. Each sits atop a standard sized cork and measures 1.75"T x 1.25"L.

Sold individually. Choose from Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Cheetah, Giraffe, or Hippo.

The stoppers come to us from an eco-friendly, brass casting company in Cape Town known its community outreach and original products.

About the Artisans:

Roots of Creation is a South African company known for their innovate brass and metal products. They have been in the casting business for over 20 years, during which time they have built a reputation for high-quality and original product design.

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from each Beads for Clean Water Zulugrass strand to the “Clean Water for Every Home” project; the goal - put a water dispensing unit, locally called a “leak-tin” in every Maasai home in the area. Clean water for drinking and washing helps stop the spread of life threatening disease and illness. Each strand is packaged on a special tag--explaining how the proceeds will be allocated--and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Designed to showcase flowers as if they were an ostrich's plumes, these handmade African sculptures are are welded outside of Nairobi using recycled oil drums and scrap metal. Each ostrich is crafted from the ground up and exhibits its own unique characteristics.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home and are one-of-a-kind. Because they are made of metal, the ostrich planters will develop a patina when exposed to the elements.

Large measures 6 feet tall, with a planter basket that measures 21"D x 8.5"T. Smaller size measures 5 feet tall, with a planter basket that measures 15"D x 6"T. Sizes may vary slightly due to the handcrafted nature of this item.

Extra shipping fees are required for this oversized item. Please scroll down for more information.

About Shipping:

Shipping for oil drum sculptures requires a pallet and starts at $200. With freight costs increasing in 2021-22, we have seen costs as high as $400-$650.

After your purchase, we will work with a freight company to determine the exact shipping cost for the pallet to your location, from our warehouse in Oregon. We will contact you via email about the additional shipping fees.

We can also create this shipping quote at any time during the ordering process! Please email us at info@swahilimodern.com with your full shipping address to get started.

About the Artisans:

Just south of Nairobi, Tom and his team of five create their unique designs by welding nuts, washers and metal rods. Tom and his small team of craftsmen keep their designs refreshingly simple. We love seeing such an iconic Kenyan animal reimagined with such thoughtful invention.

Marula Oil is a fast-absorbing facial oil that has been treasured for centuries by African women for its restorative benefits. It provides long-lasting hydration and soothes redness and irritation, leaving skin glowing with a matte finish.

With its extremely high concentration of Omega 6, 9 and other antioxidants, it fights free-radicals that cause premature skin aging. The oil-rich kernels from East African are wild-harvested, hand-selected, manually cold pressed, then combined with a 1% essential oil fragrance blend, to ensure the highest quality product.

The 30 ml bottle size, with a special oil dispenser, also meets travel requirements. Included in the box is an insert outlining uses and benefits.

About the Artisans:

In 2001, a terrible drought persisted for several years and brought devastation to the pasture lands. The livelihood of the Maasai disappeared as their cattle died. The men had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away in search for better grazing while the women looked desperately for ways to feed, clothe, and educate their children and obtain medical supplies. Philip and Katy Leakey, founders of The Leakey Collection who live among the Maasai in East Africa, wanted to provide their neighbors with work opportunities. They came up with an imaginative idea to utilize the excellent beading abilities of the Maasai women by using a readily available, sustainable resource- GRASS- as the primary element.

Soon the Leakeys discovered that for centuries, African women had revered the restorative benefits of Marula oil and decided to offer it to the world also. After the Marula fruit is collected under the wild stands of trees, the nuts are removed from the fruit by hand. The nuts are slowly sun-dried, naturally concentrating the oil prior to extraction. The hard outer shells are individually split by hand; each kernel is removed and inspected for freshness, discarding any of poor quality. The oil-rich ivory colored kernels are pressed through The Leakey Collection's unique, proprietary cold-pressing system, ensuring the highest quality product. Now, even the men have joined in the entrepreneurial opportunities.

Lulu Life is an organic, Grade A virgin shea butter that is produced using nuts from the vitellaria nilotica tree, which grows only in remote East Africa.

Most shea butter comes from West African shea trees and is sold as a hard solid. East African shea butter is silky and harder to procure, and considered a precious luxury good. Lulu Shea Butter is made from nuts that are collected, cracked, sorted, dried, ground by hand and cold-pressed (avoiding even the slightest trace of chemical contamination).

Intensely moisturizing, this shea butter is easily absorbed and is known to transform your skin over time. The butter is rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants, and can be used on the face or as an all-over body butter.

Dimensions: 100ml (3.4oz) watertight plastic container.
2.25"L x 2.25"W x 2"H

Crafted from: Nilotica shea nut oil

Made in: South Sudan

About the Artisans:

Founded in 2000, Lulu Works is a non-profit trust established to provide a source of sustainable income for the women of South Sudan. Comprised of women-owned processing centers, Lulu Works ensures that the profit from the production and sale of Lulu Life products returns to these women. It also provides an incentive to protect the natural shea butter resource.

Vitellaria nilotica tree grows across South Sudan in thick forests and takes 20 years to bear its first fruit. These forests are untouched by chemicals or fertilizers.

This shea butter is pure and unscented. See all of the scents available in our Skin Care Collection.

These authentic African mud cloths are handmade by artisans in Mali who grow and weave their own cotton. Each cloth is hand-dyed with fermented mud that has been stained with plant leaves.

The fabric features hemmed edges on two sides and can be used as a table cloth, wall hanging, or throw blanket.

Measures 44"W x 70"L. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, design will vary. For best care, hand wash in cool water and air dry.

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic, and child labor is never used. Mali Chic provides artisans with 50% advances on all orders and pay a fair price for their products.

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass to wear all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of color combinations (see additional photos as examples). Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times. Necklace shown may not portray actual color combination.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from these specially designed 26" Zulugrass strands to their Girls Graduation program to counsel young rural girls and their families on the importance of staying in school. Each strand is packaged on a special tag, explaining how the proceeds will be allocated, and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Measuring 70" long, these handmade table runners are created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.

Proceeds from 26" Beads for Healthy Gardens Zulugrass strands support the Leakey Collection's “Healthy Garden” project, which educates Maasai women to plant vitamin and mineral rich home gardens. Most rural pregnancy and birth issues, as well as child development problems, can be eradicated by eating a healthy diet. Each strand is packaged on a special tag—explaining how the proceeds will be allocated—and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass in a mix of garden greens, blues, and purplesÑeach bracelet is unique. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Through the sale of Protect a Child from Malaria bracelets, Relate has raised more than $74,000USD to support Goodbye Malaria. Each bracelet is handcrafted in South Africa, and includes an informative display card to promote awareness about the fight against malaria.

Goodbye Malaria aims to eradicate malaria in Mozambique, while investing in Africa's future, creating employment and protecting, changing and saving lives. The initiative was started by African entrepreneurs who believe our generation can create innovative solutions for problems that ultimately change the way the world sees Africa. Goodbye Malaria facilitates public private partnerships, bringing together the private sector, government and the global fund while supporting and catalyzing on-the ground malaria elimination programs. Learn more at goodbyemalaria.com.

Materials: Plastic beads, pewter, elastic

Available in three sizes. S/Child = 7.5", M/Adult= 8", L/Adult= 8.5".

About the Artisans:

Relate bracelets are handmade and sold to make a difference and change lives. As a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise, the majority of Relate's revenue is donated to credible causes and invested in social initiatives, with a focus on creating opportunities for all involved, at every stage of a project.

These modern reindeer are hand-carved from solid soapstone in western Kenya. Nairobi artists hand-dye the surface to a bright, festive red.

Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 5"T

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.

This new Rise Up Cause Bracelet will initially benefit Grace, a former participant in The Leakey Collection's Girls Graduation mentoring program, as she pursues a teaching certification. Helping women transform their lives is the goal of The Leakey Collection. 

To wear, wrap the 26" Zulugrass strand, made from sustainable, natural grass beads, around your wrist 3-4 times. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

These darling ornaments are a replica of birds seen around Nairobi. The birds are carved from sustainably sourced wood, then beautifully hand-painted to include facial features and feathers.

Dimensions: 3"L

Crafted from: Jacaranda wood, paint, string

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Paul Njoronge hand-carves and hand-paints over 100 different species of birds native to Africa, and even knows them all by name. Working mainly with jacaranda wood and acrylic paints, Paul and Joyce create art that is special to their hearts to support their growing family.

A perfect addition to the home or garden, these horned owl sculptures created in Zimbabwe all have a such a charming and unique personality! Each is finished with varnish to protect against the elements but may weather slightly with long-term exposure. Handcrafted items may vary slightly in size.

Sold singly, three sizes available. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Please note that weathering should be expected if the sculpture is exposed to the elements over a long period of time.

Dimensions:
Small: 2.5"L x 2.5"W x 6"H
Medium: 3.5"L x 3.5"W x 9"H
Large: 4"L x 4"W x 11"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal, paint

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

Measuring 70" long, this handmade table runner with its modern graphics is created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.

African artisans hand-carve these servers from a single piece of olive wood, and add "twist" to each server. The servers are sanded to a smooth finish, displaying the grain patterns of the olive wood tree.

Sold singly. Handle designs will vary. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Dimensions: 11.5"L x 3.5"W

Crafted from: olive wood, sanitized salvaged cow bone, and dye

Care: Hand wash in warm water and occasionally treat with olive oil.

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

These delicate African ornaments are handmade from natural plant fibers in Kenya. Each angel wears a gown of white sisal strands and floats with wings carved from banana leaves. Often hung in the home to convey blessings, the angels are a symbol of peace and love for all who behold them.

Sold individually. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected.

Approximate Size: 4.5"T x 3.5"L

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

This graceful sculpture, depicting a woman lost in thought, is cast in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method, which uses hand-formed wax to create shapes. Each sculpture is completely one-of-a-kind, so color and shape may vary slightly.

Measures 3.75"L x 2.5"W x 4"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. 

Easy to grip and use, these small servers bring the beauty of African olive wood to your table. Each server is crafted from a single piece of wood and features a seamless, spiral handle that reveals the carving skills of Kenyan Kamba artisans.

Hand wash in warm water, dry promptly and rub with oil before storage.

Dimensions: 8"L x 2.5"W

Crafted from: olive wood

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with representatives of Kamba artists in Kenya to obtain these hand-carved works of beauty derived from the olive wood tree. The artisans benefit greatly from the sale of their works, with marked improvements being seen for the individual, their families, the community.

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass to wear all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of color combinations. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times. Wear long as a necklace or wrapped around your neck as a choker. Necklace shown may not portray actual color combination.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Sold as a set of six bracelets with an informative card.

Dimensions: 26"L

Crafted from: Zulugrass, glass beads, elastic

Made in: Kenya

This large blanket is handmade by artisans in Bamako, Mali who grow and weave locally grown cotton. The artisans use an updated mudcloth technique to create abstract, geometric patterns. Each blanket is hand-dyed and one-of-a-kind.

Measures approximately 46"W x 68-72"L. Patterns and colors will vary due to the handmade nature of this item. Hemmed borders at top and bottom; as typical with authentic mudcloth, the backside is unfinished. For best care, hand wash in cool water and air dry.

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic, and child labor is never used. Mali Chic provides artisans with 50% advances on all orders and pay a fair price for their products.

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass in calming cool tones can be worn all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of combinations. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Six beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass in these soft but vibrant colors can be worn all together or in any grouping of 1 or more to make a wide variety of combinations. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. To wear as a bracelet, just wrap each strand around your wrist 3-4 times.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Sold as a set of six bracelets with an informative card.

Dimensions: 26"L

Crafted from: Zulugrass, glass beads, elastic

Made in: Kenya

Vibrant patchwork warthog sculptures are hand-created by metal sculptors at Tonderai Metal Works, working with used oil drums.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home and are one-of-a-kind. Because they are made of metal, the sculptures will develop a patina when exposed to the elements. Colors of sculptures will vary, depending on available oil drums.

Sold singly; three sizes available. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 7"L x 3"W x 6"H
Medium: 14"L x 5"W x 9.5"H
Large: 20"L x 9"W x 21"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

Through the sale of Leave a Legacy in Africa bracelets, Relate has raised more than $109,000USD to support Ikamva Labantu. Each bracelet is handcrafted in South Africa, and includes an informative display card to promote awareness for this vital South African NGO.

Ikamva Labantu aims to empower low income communities to become self-sustainable. Their programs range from supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, to HIV education, testing and support programs, as well as supporting the empowerment of women through education and communication projects. Relate's relationship with Ikamva Labantu goes far beyond donating funds to its highly deserving and effective causes. Elderly men and women in Ikamva Labantu’s local township senior clubs thread the beads for Relate bracelets. Visit the site ikamva.org.za.

Materials: Plastic beads, pewter, elastic

Available in three sizes. S/Child = 7.5", M/Adult= 8", L/Adult= 8.5".

About the Artisans:

Relate bracelets are handmade and sold to make a difference and change lives. As a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise, the majority of Relate's revenue is donated to credible causes and invested in social initiatives, with a focus on creating opportunities for all involved, at every stage of a project.

Sculptors in Zimbabwe weld recycled metal and discarded oil drums to create these graceful crested crane sculptures that will add panache to your garden. Each is finished with varnish to protect them against the elements.

Dimensions:
Small: 4"L x 4"W x 14"H
Medium: 8"L x 9"W x 27"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal, paint

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

This duet pairs one 7" Kenyan-made porcelain bracelet on elastic with one colorful Zulugrass strand. Wear them together as a stacked bracelet or wear each piece individually. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. Maasai artisans hand-dye the grass with colorfast, low-impact dyes. Strung on elastic interspersed with Czech glass beads, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

This mbira (pronounced UM-beer-ra), consisting of a hand-carved wooden base with attached staggered recycled metal tines and with a resonator to add a little buzz, is played by holding the instrument in the hands and plucking the tines with the thumbs. A particularly common musical instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, it is also often an important instrument to be played at religious ceremonies, weddings, and other social gatherings.

A beautiful gift for world music enthusiasts!

15 Note Mbira measures 5"L x 1"W x 8"T.

23 Note Mbira measures 8"L x 1"W x 9.5"T.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Artisans handcraft quality musical instruments that traditionally figure strongly in Shona ceremonies, using recycled wood and metal.

This set of Zulugrass for Sweet Souls features three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass that come packaged inside a fun Gift Round. Choose this color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual that buys it!

Wear all 3 strands together or 1 or 2 at a time.

Sold as a set, these large African baskets ship nested inside each other. The baskets are woven in rural Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. Featuring varying patterns, each set of three is similar to the pictured baskets and yet completely unique.

These beautifully crafted hampers brighten any room of your home while providing an impressive amount of storage.

Approximate measurements: Large: 28"T x 18"D. Medium: 22"T x 16"D. Small: 19-20"T x 13-14"D.

Questions about shipping? Visit our Shipping FAQ.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

This stately woman with her red dress and headscarf is cast in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method, which uses hand-formed wax to create a cast for the molten bronze. Each sculpture is completely one-of-a-kind, so color and shape may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 2"L x 2.5"W x 6"H

Crafted from: Metal

Made in: Burkina Faso

In Zimbabwe, sculptors weld recycled metal to create these lovely sculptures of colorful birds fluttering their wings. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements. Handcrafted items may vary slightly.

Choose from Yellow, Blue, or Red.

Each bird measures approximately 5"L x 6"W x 4"T.

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

This blue kingfisher, featuring a long pointed beak, is handcrafted in Zimbabwe from recycled oil drums with painted accents. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements. However, some weathering should be expected if the sculpture is exposed to the elements over a long period of time.

Sold singly. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 4"L x 2"W x 3.25"T
Large: 5"L x 3"W x 4.75"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal, paint

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

Three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass come packaged inside fun Gift Rounds. Choose a color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Wear all 3 strands together or 1 or 2 at a time.

Dimensions: 26"L

Crafted from: Zulugrass, glass beads, elastic, dye

Made in: Kenya

These rare baskets are woven by Samburu and Rendille women in remote northern Kenya. Called "nomadic baskets," the baskets are styled for the modern home but based on traditional designs used for the storage of camel's milk.

Nomadic baskets are sold in three useful nesting sizes and are adorned with white beads. Because these baskets are handcrafted, each will vary slightly.

Each basket is tightly knit and is designed to last a lifetime. Sold individually. Approximate measurements: [L] 7"D x 5"T [M] 5.5"D x 4"T [S] 4.5"D x 4"T.

About the Artisans:

For the pastoral communities of northern Kenya, life pivots on the coming of rain and the survival of livestock. When the skies open, the landscape becomes lush and fragrant. Cattle and goats drink and forage near home and families stay together. In times of drought, warriors must travel far to find water for their herds, leaving women and children at home alone to endure dry seasons of unknown length as the streams, earth and trees dry around them.

Where they were once only allowed to own milk, Samburu women now own camels, plus they earn income by making baskets, processing meat and hides, keeping bees and refining honey. Through this shift in property control and a general increase in literacy in the region, Samburu women have become valued contributing community members.

These delightful little bird sculptures are handcrafted by artisans in Zimbabwe. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements but may weather slightly with long-term exposure. Handcrafted items may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 3.5"L x 1.75"W x 2"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal, paint

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

These colorful giraffes crafted from red, yellow, white, green, orange, and blue oil drums will brighten any space you choose! Each sculpture made from recycled metal is finished with varnish to protect against the elements, although weathering is to be expected if exposed over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each one is unique; colors will vary, and size may vary by several inches.

Approximate sizes:

[Extra Small] 24" T x 8"L x 4"W
[Small] 35"T x 8"L x 4"W
[Medium] 42-46"T x 10"L X 6"W

Crafted from: Recycled metal

Made in: Zimbabwe

Extra shipping fees are required for the Large and Extra Large sizes. Please scroll down for more information, and email us at info@swahilimodern.com with any questions.

About Shipping:

Shipping for large sculptures requires a pallet and cost starts at $200. After purchase, we will contact you via email regarding the additional shipping charges.

Shipping from our location in Oregon to the Northeast is most expensive, while shipping to California is least expensive. Shipping includes the cost for using a lift gate. Costs can sometimes be reduced if you can provide a business address.

Multiple sculptures can be shipped on a single pallet, typically costing the same as shipping for a single sculpture on a pallet.

We can provide a shipping quote at any time during the ordering process. Please email us at info@swahilimodern.com with your full shipping address to get started.

Once you have placed your order and agreed to the shipping cost, we will send you a Paypal invoice. The total will subtract any shipping you have already paid during the checkout process.

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

Using the lost wax method to cast this calming bronze sculpture, artisans in Burkina Faso celebrate a lovely female figure searching for knowledge in a book.

An amazing value compared to similar bronze sculptures sold in the US, this work of African art adds beauty and meaning to any ledge in your home.

Measures 4"L x 4"W x 7.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation will occur.

This bracelet supports the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Rhino Project. Inspired by the colours of the rhino and its surrounding habitat, each bracelet is made up of grey, white, and matte black beads, and is finished off with two red ‘accent’ beads on each side of the EWT pewter closing. Wear these cause bracelets to connect to the conservation of these iconic species.

The Rhino Project fights against rhino poaching using a number of interventions to ensure the survival of this iconic animal; the deployment of equipment, skilled field staff, anti-poaching dogs and sniffer dogs, a rapid response platform for rhino orphans, and end-user awareness campaigns.

Learn more at www.ewt.org.za

Dimensions: Elastic band, one size fits most

Crafted from: Beads, elastic

Made in: South Africa

About the Artisans:

Relate bracelets are handmade and sold to make a difference and change lives. As a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise, the majority of Relate's revenue is donated to credible causes and invested in social initiatives, with a focus on creating opportunities for all involved, at every stage of a project.

The Leakey Collection's goal has always been empowering women in East Africa through work opportunity and now is providing additional entrepreneurship support to help their female Maasai neighbors build businesses through the proceeds of this bracelet. They will begin with a high-yield, low-impact dairy cattle program.

To wear, wrap the 26" Zulugrass strand, made from sustainable, natural grass beads, around your wrist 3-4 times. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Senegalese craftswomen weave cattail stalks with strips of plastic to create these decorative storage baskets.

This basket features a low, wide profile with a fitted lid, ideal for tabletop storage. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size may vary slightly.

Fair trade and handmade.

Dimensions: 11"L x 11"W x 5"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattails), plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

This whimsical and beautiful dish with a floating hippopotamus is carved from serpentine stone. The design of the dish showcases the beauty of this locally-sourced stone through both textured and polished surfaces.

Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

Dimensions: 6.5"L x 5.5"W x 1"H

Crafted from: Serpentine

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Emmanual Mabika uses his talent to carve beautiful items from serpentine stone. Found in many deposits throughout Zimbabwe, its colors vary from black to brown to green, orange and variegated. Sculptors choose deposits of rock that are hard and therefore very durable.

Songa Designs International empowers a new generation of women in Rwanda, combining traditional weaving skills with modern design to craft these tightly woven sisal baskets. Inspired by nature, each handmade item handwoven with all-natural materials and can be used for storing fruit and vegetables, serving bread or organizing toys.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"L x 10"W x 2.5"H
Large: 12"L x 12"W x 3"H

Crafted from: Banana fiber, sisal

Made in: Rwanda

About the Artisans:

It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs International is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 150 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber or sisal plants.

This traditional basket is handmade in Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic. The basket's unique shape allows for an impressive amount of storage.

Woven by experienced Wolof weavers, the baskets are sturdy and can last for decades. Each basket features delightful dots of color. Dot size and basket size may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 15"H

Crafted from: Cattail stalks, plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

These colorful baskets are woven from natural grasses and thin strips of plastic in Senegal. Each basket features blocks of color and cutout handles.

The baskets are made in a special collaboration with the Peace Corps in an effort to extend the reach of rural artisans. The baskets are fair trade and the artisans are well compensated.

Dimensions: 14"L x 14"W x 19"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

This visually striking 70" long table runner with its natural tones is created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.