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