Our current range is a unique blend of useable and decorative items that are sought after by local African craft lovers, decorators and international tourists.
Each item brings with it the gift of Xhosa creativity and talent. Each item is hand crafted on Fair View Farm in Tsolwana, Eastern Cape and each piece is the result of the training and development of Xhosa women in order for them to reach their aim of Thobelani or Respect. This, they believe, comes from being able to use their talents and creativity to provide for their children’s basic needs of food, clothing and schooling.

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Download Thobelani Crafts Brochure - PDF 262 KB

THOBELANI ORIGINALS:

Thobelani was developed so that the women of the Tsolwana region could change their own lives. They didn’t want a hand-out, they wanted to develop their own individual skills and talents in order to achieve self-respect. Thobelani is the Xhosa name for Respect.

The creativity and talents of the Xhosa women have been well recognised and none more so than the women of Thobelani Originals, each of them gifted potters in their own right.

These women have worked hard at their craft. They have attended many workshops and pottery sessions to hone their skills to a level where their pots can be considered masterpieces. Nothing less was acceptable to them.

It is, therefore, with great pride that the team has launched Thobelani Originals, a company formed to take their acclaimed pots to art lovers’ worldwide.

The pots crafted at Thobelani Originals are for collectors and purveyors of fine earthenware. Each pot is hand made in the age-old tradition of pit firing and burnishing bringing together primitive methods and Xhosa creativity, with a unique outcome.

Each potter has her own individual style and we are sure you will appreciate the time, passion and commitment they have given to their craft.

Their goal is to create legacies; for you, for them and for their children. A noble cause indeed

The Thobelani Originals pieces are all hand made, unique items. All pots are pit fired making use of the traditional techniques of early cultures when they made their first foray into pottery with burnished wares fired in open fires. Pit firing is one of the most primitive methods still in use today, with the final surface being polished, or burnished, to create a unique finish that is highly sought after.

Download Thobelani Originals Brochure - PDF 326 KB

CONTACT:

PO Box 101, Tarkastad, 5370
Tel : 045 848 0000
Fax: 045 848 0000
Email : thobelani@cybertrade.co.za