Weaving in the Drakensberg

Description

Meet:  At the Wowzulu Marketplace on the road to Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg

Time: 9h00 and 12h00 [arrive at Wowzulu Marketplace 15 minutes early]

Duration:  3 hours

This all happens at the WOWZULU Marketplace, on the road to Royal Natal National Park.  This area is a World Heritage Site with magnificent views of the ragged Drakesnberg Mountains.   Get there early to enjoy the great coffee and view of the Amphitheatre.  This is your friendly home in the village. It stocks locally-made craft that combine traditional craft techniques with modern design. Enjoy a cup of coffee, hear local stories and get a taste of local culture.

On this tour local women teach you the ancient craft of grass weaving, using skills passed down through generations and grasses that are only harvested on the mountain slopes. Share stories and a snack while you create your original object.   

Before the actual weaving can take place, the fiber has to be prepared which according to the character of the twine can be an extremely lengthy process. This is especially so if it needs to be dyed as well as made pliant. A fiber such as sisal needs to be stripped, cleaned and spun by hand, a process which can take up to 16 hours for a medium size basket.

The design of the basket is created by weaving with different colours. Dyes are obtained from natural sources like roots, barks, fruit and berries, leaves, clay, dung or various combinations of the above.  Patterns can be in the form of decorative bands or geometric shapes; lozenges, triangles, diamonds, star or flower shapes, zigzags, swirls or chequer-board motifs.  African basketry is a dynamic industry and colourful commercial dyes are sometimes used to widen their market appeal.

Highlights

• Learn to weave with the local women 
• Wonderful expansive views of the Drakensberg Mountains
• Friendly locals

Itinerary

Meet:  Wow Zulu Marketplace on the road to the Royal Natal National Park

Departure Times: 09:00, 12:00 [arrive 15 minutes early]

Duration: 3 hours Cost:

Price:R305 pp Min 4 persons (excl transfer)

• Arrive at the Wow Zulu MarketPlace 
• Enjoy a good cappuccino made by a barista as you take in the beauty of your surroundings
• Take a look at the local crafts
• Meet your master weaver and learn the ancient craft of grass weaving 
• Share stories and a snack while you create your original object.

Relax in the Wow Zulu Marketplace and enjoy the natural wonder of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Important information

Operated by: Wow Zulu