Description
Transform your dining experience and decor with our Hand Made & Painted Paper Mache Plate. Each plate is a unique work of art, meticulously crafted by the talented Swazi women of Zoggs, adding a vibrant touch of Eswatini’s culture to your home. Bring a splash of color and a piece of Eswatini’s heritage into your home with these unique, handmade plates – a perfect blend of tradition, art, and sustainability.
What It Is: These beautiful plates are made from lightweight and durable paper mache, and each one is hand-painted with intricate, colorful patterns. Available in three sizes – small, medium, and large – each plate showcases the individual creativity of the artisan, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Uses: The Hand Made & Painted Paper Mache Plate is versatile and functional. Use it as a decorative piece on your dining table, a serving plate for dry snacks, or a stylish wall decoration. The three sizes allow for various uses and perfect coordination as a set.
Care Instructions: This plate cannot be used in a dishwasher. To clean, simply wipe it with a dry cloth. This plate can only be used for dry and not hot food stuffs.
Materials: Paper Mache, Acrylic Paint (lead free)
Handmade with Care: Every plate is carefully crafted and painted by one of the skilled Swazi women at Zoggs in southern Eswatini. This handmade process ensures that each plate has its own distinct characteristics and slight variations in color, pattern and shape, adding to its unique charm.
Supporting Fair Trade: By purchasing these plates, you are supporting fair trade practices and contributing to the empowerment of women in Eswatini. Zoggs follows fair trade principles, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable employment for its artisans.
Unique and Sustainable: Zoggs is committed to sustainability, using up-cycled and recycled materials whenever possible. Your Hand Made & Painted Paper Mache Plate is not only a stunning piece of art but also an eco-friendly choice.
Meet the Creators: Empowered Women
In Eswatini’s Lowveld region, Zoggs is more than just an artisan collective; it’s a story of resilience, empowerment, and creativity. Founded in 2000 by Zoë Fourie, Zoggs began as a small workshop focused on playful and colorful designs. Today, Zoggs is a thriving community of talented women artisans, each trained in traditional craft forms while bringing their unique touch to each piece.
Empowering Women through Craft Zoggs provides its artisans with a sustainable income and skill development in an area where opportunities for women are scarce. The collective emphasizes fair trade and environmental consciousness, empowering women not only economically but also by nurturing creativity and self-reliance. By supporting Zoggs, you’re directly contributing to the lives of Swazi women artisans who create art from the heart.
Crafted in the Kingdom of Eswatini
Handmade in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), the last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa, this piece reflects the country’s unique heritage and artistic traditions. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and strong sense of community, Eswatini blends cultural richness with modern creativity. The artisans here draw inspiration from the kingdom's deep-rooted customs and vibrant way of life, creating beautiful crafts that tell the stories of the land and its people.
By owning this item, you’re not only acquiring a stunning work of art—you’re bringing a piece of Eswatini’s rich cultural legacy and enduring spirit into your home.
The Craftsmanship: The Art of Paper Mache
Papier-mâché is an ancient craft that has become a celebrated part of African artistry. It begins with recycled paper, layered carefully over a mold to create a sturdy yet lightweight form. Once the shape is complete and dried, each piece is hand-painted with vibrant, lead-free acrylic paints. The result is a striking, one-of-a-kind work of art, showcasing the creativity and skill of the artisan.
The simplicity of papier-mâché allows artisans to create stunning pieces with minimal environmental impact. This craft is rooted in sustainable practices, using upcycled materials to produce eco-friendly artwork. Each piece embodies a story of transformation, turning everyday paper into meaningful, expressive art that connects tradition with contemporary design.
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