Merry Xmas & Happy New Year

Season's Greetings to everyone who has supported our enterprise - our suppliers, media, friends & family and, of course, our loyal customers.

We are open every day except for the following -

Tuesday, December 25

Wednesday, December 26

Tuesday, January 1

Wednesday, January 2

New Stock - Colourful Candles

There is still time before Xmas to take advantage of recent arrivals from Africa, such as these vibrant, long-burning Candles. 

We look forward to seeing you in the store soon. A wide range of Homewares, Basketwork, Ceramics, Jewellery and Artwork awaits
 you.

Here is your Guide - http://www.justafrica.com.au/all-products.asp


On behalf of our suppliers in African countries, we thank you for being so supportive of their skill and efforts.





XMAS SHOPPING

We’re ready for the Festive Season. Exciting gift items from across the African continent have arrived.

It’s time to spoil yourself and your friends with something new, different and individually made.

We look forward to seeing you in the store soon. A wide range of Homeware, Basketry, Ceramics, Jewellery and Artwork awaits you.

Our opening times are: every day from 1Oam, and Sundays from 11am.

Or, visit our website, which is always being updated, and purchase online.

Thank you for supporting us in the past. We wish you all the best for Xmas and the New Year.

Not made your mind up yet?

Go to - http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=4

Have a look at our selection of Ceramics that have just come in.



Special Pieces currently on display at Just Africa

This is a fine tribal door from West Africa.

It is carved in the traditional way, with two leaves held together by metal staples. The mask motif is skilfully executed, with the ears, eyes and mouth picked out in white clay.

The pegs at the top and bottom would have been set in clay or stone sockets, to allow the door to pivot.

The door shows signs of wear and usage appropriate to an authentic piece, and it is in very good general condition.

Here are further authentic and fine pieces for the discerning collector -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=5



Shopping Baskets are Back in Stock

We've just taken delivery of these wonderful shoppers.

They are extremely tough and durable, and look good too.

The strong traditional weaving means that you can use them for years.

Baskets such as this one are a great 'green' alternative to bags, when shopping.

Use them for kids' toys, magazine storage and in the bathroom for towels and accessories.

Here is a selection - http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23

Give one for Xmas, as it is, or filled with goodies!

Mrs Sunny - Shona Woman Sculptor

This sculpture in Springstone is a very rare example of the work of Mrs Sunny.

Equally rare is that a woman, even of exceptional skill and talent, should feature in this almost exclusively male environment.

Traditionally, a Shona woman would not be expected to participate in most activities where men are active.

Additionally, Stone Sculpture in Zimbabwe is dominated by the work of male sculptors.

The example above is beautifully simple in form, and this is enhanced by the clever use of a matt finish. The result is elegant and refined.

For a notable selection of Stone Sculpture, visit -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=13



Anniversary of the birth of Oliver Tambo

Oliver Tambo was born born on 27 October 1917 in the rural town of Bizana, South Africa. 

He became Acting President of the ANC in 1967, following the death of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli.

In 1985 he was re-elected President of the ANC. He returned to South Africa in 1991 after over 30 years in exile, and was elected National Chairperson of the ANC in July of the same year.

Oliver Tambo died aged 75 due to complications from a stroke on 24 April 1993.

Toma Masks from West Africa

New to the website are the Toma Masks from Guinea.

These are smaller masks used in young men's confirmation ceremonies. They typically have a heavy brow-line, a large, plain rounded jaw, and curved horns.

Unusually, this mask retains it's original dressing of leather, vegetable fibre and bundle of sticks.

To see more masks go to: http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=9



Uganda Celebrates 5O Years of Independence

On this day, 5O years ago, Uganda became an Independent State, ending over 15O years of British rule.

Uganda is home to many different ethnic groups, none of whom forms a majority of the population. Around forty different languages are regularly and currently in use in the country.

English became the official language of Uganda after independence.

See this page for some Ugandan Handcraft:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=22

 

Image & some text courtesy of:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

On This Day - Historic Deal to end Apartheid in South Africa

26 September 1992

President FW de Klerk and ANC leader Nelson Mandela reach a deal for the process to majority rule in South Africa at a summit in Johannesburg.

Sources courtesy of - 

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

The Art of the Zulu Basket

This traditional art form is an important way for Zulu women to make a living, or to supplement their incomes. Working at home, they can combine basket making into their normal routine of raising their children and daily chores.

Each Zulu basket is woven by hand, using indigenous raw materials. All the dye colours are natural. It can take up to a month to make a medium sized basket, that will be unique in size, shape, pattern and colour.

Baskets with lids such as these are known locally as 'uKhamba'.

See our selection of fine baskets here -

 http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=22



Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted during its 62nd session in New York City on 13 September 2007.

The UN describes it as –

… "an important standard for the treatment of indigenous people, that will undoubtedly be a significant tool towards eliminating human rights violations, and assist in combating discrimination and marginalization."

It is estimated that indigenous people number 370 million across the world.

Here is a selection of the traditional work of some of these people:

http://www.justafrica.com.au

Text courtesy of http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

The Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery

The Abolition of Slavery Act

By 1783, an Anti-Slavery movement to abolish the Slave Trade throughout the Empire had begun among the British public.

In 1785, the English poet William Cowper wrote:

"We have no slaves at home – Then why abroad? Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs receive our air, that moment they are free. They touch our country, and their shackles fall. That's noble, and bespeaks a nation proud. And jealous of the blessing. Spread it then, And let it circulate through every vein."

In fact, Slavery was officially abolished in most of the British Empire on 1 August 1834.

The Royal Assent to the Bill was given on 28 August 1833, making it law.

Image and text courtesy of -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_Abolition_Act_1833http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_Abolition_Act_1833

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BLAKE10.JPG

Bead Dolls of the Ndebele People

Making the beaded dolls enables more than 70 women to enjoy the flexibility of working from home, and the ability to earn an independent income in an area where there are very few job opportunities.

These dolls are distinguished by their heavily beaded body bands, and bead coronets - a symbol of higher status.

View our selection of these dolls here -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=6&page=2

Mudcloth Throws just in from Mali - West Africa

We have just received a new consignment of these wonderful Traditional Textiles.

They are made from hand-woven cotton panels, sewn together, and decorated with patterns, using Mud, Bark and Leaf dyes.

This produces rich earth tones, as well as the natural white.

There is a huge range of variations in the designs: a tribute to the creativity of the makers who continue a long line of artists in Textiles.

Have a look for yourself -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=27

Our Colourful African Throws are now In Stock again

These original African designs will greatly enhance your interior decor.

They can be hung on any wall, and are just as good over a sofa or bed.

The fabric is machine washable and durable, giving you pleasure for years to come.

For more designs look here -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=34



The Contemporary Designer Baskets from Senegal are back.

In the nation of Senegal, West Africa, women are creating a new style of basket to suit contemporary designer interiors.

Using strips of recycled plastic and sustainable natural materials has resulted in a subtle merging of modern and traditional.

These baskets not only look good: they are both robust and durable too.

Find a selection here:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23&page=2

African Women Go Ahead ...



Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma ( born 27 January 1949 ) is a South African politician and former anti-apartheid activist.

On 15 July 2012, Dlamini-Zuma was elected by the African Union Commission as its chairperson, making her the first woman to lead the organisation .

She was South Africa's Minister of Health from 1994 to 1999, under President Nelson Mandela, then Minister of Foreign Affairs from 17 June 1999 to 10 May 2009, under Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Molanthe.

Information courtesy of -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkosazana_Dlamini-Zuma



My Very Popular Friend .....

Bon Jour! Last time my good friend introduced himself, and invited you to visit him.

He is now very popular, so I thought I would follow his example.

I am a photographer, and I live at Just Africa.

As you see, I always have my camera with me. You never know when a Photo Opportunity will arise.

You can see my work on the website. I think it is very good.

I take all kinds of photos. See some of my portfolio for yourself here:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23





Bon Jour. We are here from Senegal.......

Hello. I have come to Just Africa in Melbourne from West Africa. My colleagues and I welcome you to visit us in the store.

We have also been invited to appear on the website, so, "voila!", we can be in two places at the same time. 

My friends come from all walks of life: supervisors, soldiers, game rangers, clerks, photographers etc.

We like to dress well. Personally, I always wear a tie. It presents a good appearance, and gives an air of confidence.

Do come and see us. We are waiting. 

This is where we are waiting -

 http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=6



For all the Pisceans among you . . .

Here is the Symbol for Pisces, worked into a Cushion Cover in the finest embroidery.

It's never too late to consider this as a gift to yourself, or others of this Zodiac sign.

Browse other lovely desgns here:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=31

They have only just arrived in stock, so be in first.

Owls - New in Stock

A charming selection of Owls from Zimbabwe, in Serpentine Stone, is now available In-Store and Online.

Find them here:

www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=16&page=1

You can also find a really remarkable report on how Owls are being introduced into communities in South Africa.

www.ecosolutions.co.za/township-owl-project

Sculpture Restoration & Repair

BEFORE

 

AFTER

We offer expert restoration and repair of sculptures in most media.

Your precious Art piece can be put together again and re-finished.

 

In many cases the repair will be undetectable, even on close inspection.

 

We have considerable experience of working with stone, wood or metal.

 

This service is only available in-store. 

Exciting New African Candles

We have just taken delivery of this exciting new range of colourful Candles.

Sizes range from 10cm to 30cm tall, and just under 10cm across.

The bright outer designs are illuminated from within as these hand-made Candles burn down, giving a glowing effect.

They're available to in-store shoppers only at present.

New Arrivals - Basketware

Just in from West Africa are new shapes in the Market basket range.

They're deeper, rounder, and have a greater capacity than the traditional style baskets.

The thick, padded leather handle is also comfortable to hold, even when the basket is full.

Find them here -

 http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23
 

- along with new stock of the traditional Market and Shopping Basket styles.

Independence Day in Tunisia

The word Tunisia is derived from Tunis; a city and capital of modern-day Tunisia.

The present form of the name, with its Latinate suffix -ia, evolved from French Tunisie.

The French derivative Tunisie was adopted in some European languages with slight modifications, introducing a distinctive name to designate the country.

 The name Tunis can be attributed to different origins. It can be associated with the Phoenician goddess Tanith (aka Tunit), ancient city of Tynes or to the Berber root ens which means "to lie down".

Text and Images courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunisia

The National Day of Ghana

 

The word Ghana means Warrior King and was the title accorded to the kings of the medieval West African Ghana Empire,

Geographically, the Ghana Empire was approximately 500 miles (800 km) north and west of modern Ghana, and it ruled territories in the area of the Sénégal River and east towards the Niger River, in modern Senegal, Mauritania and Mali.

Ghana was adopted as the legal name for the Gold Coast combined with British Togoland upon gaining autonomy on 6 March 1957.

To see products Hand-Made in Ghana go to http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23 

Information courtesy of  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana

Bishop Nelson visits Just Africa

Welcome to Bishop Onono-Onweng Nelson and his wife at Just Africa.

The Bishop was on a short visit to Melbourne, and spent some time discussing the making and supply of Ugandan Hand Craft.

Bishop Nelson Onono Onweng, born in 1945, was a primary school teacher for many years and joined the Ordained Ministry in 1976.

He subsequently became a school inspector and the director of the Lweza Training and Conference Centre, and in 1988 he was made Bishop of Northern Uganda Diocese.

He is the originator of numerous initiatives for peace and for fighting poverty.

Bishop Onono Onweng’s projects include a poverty-alleviation credit scheme he started in 1976, a non-governmental peace organisation called “Jamii Ya Kapatakanisha” created in 1992, and a technical school for orphans of war, the “Gulu Vocational Community Centre”, founded in 1994.

In 1998, he also started the “Acholi Religious Leaders’ Peace Initiatives” (ARLPI), an inter-faith forum for peace. In 2000, Bishop Onono Onweng received the Uganda Peace Award.

Bishop Nelson is also a recipient of the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education.

Information from the website of unesco.org