It’s back to the old Africa album for Cee’s ‘made by humans’ theme because it was while I was thinking what to post, that I suddenly remembered here was something I really missed from our years living in Kenya and Zambia: the roadside artists and artisans who, day in and day out, made some truly wonderful creations. In fact we did most of our best shopping on the pavement – from the decorative to the solidly functional.
The header photo is a young soapstone sculptor in downtown Harare, taken during a road trip to Zimbabwe from Zambia. Meanwhile in Lusaka, here are the furniture makers who made beds of every kind, including ours, from repurposed air freight cases:
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And while I’m here, a more recent shot of one of my favourite baskets, made by the Tonga women of Zambia’s Southern Province. I use it for storing sewing and knitting bits and bobs.
Tish Farrell 
GREAT POST TISH!! HOWEVER I LOVE THE TWILL WORK BASKET!! BEAUTIFUL. I ALWAYS LOVED THE DESIGNS YOU GET WITH TWILL WEAVING, THOUGH SOME MODERN DESIGNS CAN BE REALLY MATHEMATICALLY CHALLENGING, ONE STAKE COUT OFF YOU END UP WITH A SPIRAL WEAVE 😦
I thought you’d love this basket, Mitch. I was thinking of your very wonderful creations when I included it. I can see, though – a spiral-weave- situation could be pretty hair-raising!
I like that basket too- such a work of art
These are fantastic photos for this week. 😀 😀
Many thanks, Cee.
This is such a good post. The human touch, the human interaction is so evident in these objects, and in the transactions that brought them into your life.
Thank you, Margaret. You’ve translated my thoughts so well 🙂
I have some amazing carvings from Kenya that are among my favorite pieces of art.
Exemplars of the hand-made life 🙂
I can easily see why you liked to shop at these artisan roadside places. Every piece unique, plus you’re directly supporting local initiatives.
Absolutely, Sarah.
A couple of very nice people shots there Tish – capturing the feeling of the moment. Fancy a roadside bedmaker – so much grander than furniture village!
Hello, Laura. Definitely better than furniture village. I just wish I had some shots of Nairobi’s roadside sofa sets! Or the Welsh dresser out in the bush in Eastern Zambia.
Ah, yes, those roadside stalls selling everything from trays of avocados and nets of oranges to absolute tat (and giant giraffes). Great memories Tish and I do like that basket. I have two lovely Zulu baskets which are my pride and joy.
Oh I do love the idea of furniture from freight crates! It looks lovely too.
Alison
They made some pretty good stuff 🙂
Beautiful people photos
Thanks, Yvette. Happy captures 🙂
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