South African Arts and Crafts

South African Arts and Crafts in the Drakensberg

The Antbear Guesthouse as started an arts and crafts project in the local community. A dynamic network of African artists and craftswomen from the Drakensberg in Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa now exhibits their artwork in this Guesthouse.

Rural potmakers following traditional techniques combine with bead, leather and wireworkers to produce a distinctive range of handmade gifts. Unique wood carvings porcupine quill jewelry basketwork fill out the range of arts and crafts on offer.

Through this craftwork the women express their natural creativity and generate skills and income, nurturing their families and developing their communities. The Antbear Guesthouse does not take a cut from this income offering only its facilities as a motivation for self upliftment of the local people. 

The women of the Drakensberg area are skilled in age-old handcrafts, such as the plaiting and weaving of indigenous grasses - a Zulu tradition that has been handed down from mother to daughter over generations. The woven grass (uhashu) creates baskets, bowls and mats in a wide variety of out-of-Africa colours. The men and young boys also produce uniquely sculptured clay animals and wood carvings

It is possible to buy locally produced arts and crafts from vendors at many other locations in KwaZulu Natal and South Africa. And its about supporting the local people that a route out of poverty can be created.  Arts and crafts of South Africa offer just such an opportunity.

Examples of artworks, arts and crafts available in South Africa

• Carvings
  Hand-carved wooden sculptures and carvings with more traditional themes, Fine items made from exotic ebony wood, Large and life size teak wood statues, Soapstone Stone carvings each individually hand carved, Moroccan Wood Carvings, including Boxes, Picture Frames, Letter Holders, Book Ends, Dice and more..
• Furniture
  Fabulous home decorations and Africa accents. A range of Ashanti stools and Large South African Chief Chairs
• Jewellery
  All jewellery shown is completely hand made, authentic, and completely African in origin and design. This jewellery will be noticed by everyone, will make tremendous conversation pieces
• Musical Instruments
  Exotic African Musical instruments not easily found elsewhere - including a selection of Djembe Drums, Shakera, Kpalogo, Egyptian Tambourine, Koras, Balophone, Cocotu and more...
• African Dolls
  Choose from an almost unlimited variety of handmade African dolls
• Wicker & Weaving Tools
  Truly authentic African artifacts - Wicker Baskets and other accessories
• Batiks & Cloth
  A range of Unique batik Cloth paintings from Ivory Coast and West Africa
• Oil Paintings
  Beautiful original oil paintings - depicting African scenes.
• Brass Artwork
  Each piece is individually made. No two are exactly the same because the mold is broken in the process of making the piece. These will retain their original brilliant look indefinitely as each work is solid brass; not just plated.
• Leather Art
  All made from genuine leather - featuring African Animals - great gifts
• Kitchen Implements & Tableware
  Tablecloths, salad sets, sppons, napkin rings, oven mits, coasters, etc.

Arts and Crafts in the Northern Drakensberg

• Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio.
  Internationally respected art. Every major gallery in South Africa houses their works and there are items in collections and museums worldwide.
  Telephone: (036) 468 1314
• Ella's Curio Shop.
  Range of arts and crafts.
  Telephone: (036) 468 1000
• Harry Heine House.
  Wide range of arts and crafts in Winterton. Also tourism information on the Winterton area.
  Telephone: (036) 488 1180
• KwaZulu Weavers Factory tours.
  Telephone: (036) 488 1657
• KwaZulu Candles & KwaZulu Weavers Manufacturing
  Telephone:(036)4881657
• Meadowsweet Herb Farm.
  Organic herb farm which specializes in culinary and offering a wide gift range.
  Telephone: (036) 468 1216
• Mulberry Studio.
  Original fabric painting and ceramic studio in Winterton.
  Telephone: (036) 488 1828
• Open Air Bushmans Cave Museum.
  Open rock art gallery at Giant's Castle.
  Telephone: (036) 353 3718
• Rainbow Room.
  Arts and craft shop situated next to the Nest Hotel on the R600.
  Telephone: (036) 468 1801
• Thandanani Handcraft Centre.
  Baskets, beadwork and a range of other traditional handcraft produced by the local Amazizi people, and based on a co-operative system where local people can collectively sell their handwork and share in the profits. On the road to Royal Natal National Park. A traditional Amazizi kraal is being developed.
  Telephone: (036) 438 6653
• The Purple House.
  Wide range of arts and crafts in Winterton.
  Telephone: (036) 488 1025
• Thokozisa Mountain Caf ' and Indigenious Nursery.
  Wide range of arts and crafts just outside Winterton.
  Telephone: (036) 488 1273
• Zimisele Centre.
  Range of crafts at Zwelitsha.
  Telephone: (036) 438 6012

• Bergville 
  The Drakenbsberg Tourist organisation also offer handcrafts and other regional services

Southern Drakensberg - Arts & Crafts

• Eco Berg Soaps
  Telephone: (033) 702 1401
• Berghaven Ceramics
  Telephone: (033) 702 1096
• Loteni Craft Market
  Telephone: (033) 702 0060
• Parnassos Fine Art Studio
  Telephone: (033) 701 1562

Other Arts and Crafts in South Africa

• Durban - African Art Centre
  The African Art Centre is unique in S.A. as an outlet for a wide range of creative cutural works. This non-profit project is based in Durban and aims to promote the traditional artistic heritage of African people.
• Marine Parade - DumaZulu Traditional Village & Lodge
  An unrivalled ethnic experience in the heart of Zululand, with accommodation next door in different units, each representing a different tribe in South Africa.
• Hluhluwe
  Strategically placed for eco-tourism, with cultural and historical trips to places of interest in Zululand and Maputoland. Arts and Crafts from the local communities at the all park entrances.

links to South African Arts and Crafts online

• African artist - Elliot Mkhungo - African arts, crafts and curios. Bull horn bird hand carved by South African artist Elliot Mkhungo.
• African Artist Gallery - Dealers of non-conformist and non-ethnical African art in watercolors, oil paintings. Unusual textured collages depicting the African wildlife and culture of Southern Africa.
• African paintings fair trade charity arts foundation - African art gallery online - South African artists fair trade charity arts centre. Bushman art paintings - Bethesda foundation 
• African Wildlife Artworks - African Wildlife Artworks by Gordon Howard.
• Alain Nortje - Website of artist Alain Nortje 
• Albany Museum - Collections and research cover history, archaeology, freshwater invertebrates and fishes, geology and terrestrial insects. The Museum also has a large herbarium, reference library and genealogy service.
• Aquila Art - Virtual art gallery based in Bloemfontein offering African artworks, paintings and sculptures. 
• Art & Culture - Local artists work in a wide variety of media from painting, sculpture, graphics and ceramics to different crafts, doll-making and fashion design
• Art in South Africa - Lists South African artists, art associations, art galleries and art events.
• Arts Alive - Arts Alive is the biggest international festival of arts and culture in South Africa.
• Arts and Crafts Western Cape, South Africa - A get-together place of artists and crafters with pictures, info and links to shops, markets and individuals.
• Artslink.co.za - All inclusive SA arts site which showcases SA faces, talent and technical expertise. 
• Art : South African Virtual Art Gallery - Paintings for sale, specialist advice on investing in art. 
• Artthrob 
• Artzone - The South African Arts and Cultural Hub.
• Bosch Munro Gallery - Gallery & Studios in Graskop in the Mpumalanga highlands displaying work by the owners and other local artists. 
• Bushpig Art and Crafts - The Bushpig in Knysna, South Africa, is a design studio, craft workshop and gallery.
• Cape Town Opera - Provides information on current and forthcoming productions, training and development, artistic and production staff and ticket reservations. 
  Centurion Art Centre - A one-stop art shop and framing facility. 
• Dave Adnams Art - Dave Adnams has been specialising in automotive art for decades. A trained graphic artist, he swapped the world of advertising for the more satisfying profession of creating original art for individual customers and corporations.
• Dolphin Dreams - Soul Art, airbrush artists of fine art, commercial art, illustrations, murals, airbrushing, custom painting, posters and photography. 
• Grannie's Goodies - Genuine homemade arts and crafts from the heart of South Africa 
• King George VI Art Gallery - Serving all sectors of the public through programmes of art research, conservation,publications, educational and recreationalevents and exhibitions. 
• Lindley Art Gallery - Come and visit our Gallery, we hope that you will enjoy the art works and information available.
• Lipschitz Gallery - Exhibits of works by established and emerging South African artists. Assists private and corporate buyers wishing to invest in art. 
• Rightbrain Art Emporium - South African online art gallery.
• South Africa Pictures - Pictures and Photos of South Africa, Including Scenery, People, Culture, and Animals.
• The Drawing Room - Decribes the work and contact details of Pat Hoebel. 
• The Illustrators Portfolio - Database of professional freelance illustrators in South Africa. Features illustrations, cartoons and caricatures by a selection of South Africa's leading illustrators. 
• Under South African Skies - Photos made during visits in 1994 & 1995.