How to Paint a Tonga Drum

Here is a drum from northern Zimbabwe being decorated in the traditional patterns and colours.

Everyone gathers round to lend a hand to mix the red oxide, charcoal and white clay, which are the hallmarks of the Tonga drum.

The logs to the left are going to be used shortly, to build a new house. The pointed ends will be driven into the ground to form walls.

The Zambezi river flows along in the valley behind the house. It is the village water supply.

This is a marvelous illustration of African self-sufficiency, which is entirely unavailable in Western urban culture.

And now for some Good News from Africa .......

Poverty rates throughout the African continent have been falling steadily, and much faster than previously thought, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

The death rate of children under five years of age is dropping, with “clear evidence of accelerating rates of decline,” according to The Lancet.

Perhaps most encouragingly, Africa is “among the world’s most rapidly growing economic regions.” 

Lovely Beadwork Lizards Are In!

These Lovely Lizards are especially made for us in Zimbabwe.

Their natural habitat is 1181 High Street, Armadale in Melbourne.

They are rare, and are not found anywhere else in Australia.

However, they are not endangered.

They eat almost nothing, and are happiest on your desk, shelf or even on the wall.

They are known to tolerate children and pets with equanimity.

In fact, it is very difficult to get them to move, once they are comfortably in place.

You can view them safely from here -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=21

These Lizards are not known to mate, so you may have to buy two, if you want a larger family of pets.

A Very Happy Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a perfect display of your affection.

We have a great selection of sculptures like this in stock.

The one you choose will have a very special meaning for your loved one.

The stone is symbolic and long-lasting, and shows your commitment.

Visit our store, or look here -

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



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



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/

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