Nestled between a cluster of fever trees, on the outskirts of Hluhluwe is Ilala Weavers Gallery, Museum, Restaurant and Nursery. Ilala Weavers have built relationships with rural Zulu communities of Hluhluwe, empowering women of the region to support themselves and their families.
The Zulu’s are the largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Perhaps the one craft that typifies the precision and skills of these crafters is basket weaving, a skill passed down from generation to generation.
Jackie Sutton, the current custodian of Ilala Weavers is the second generation to be working with the community of weavers and crafters from the surrounding areas.
The passion began in the early 1970’s when two friends developed an interest in Zulu handcrafts being produced in the outlying areas of northern Zululand. At that time the community markets sold handicrafts and home produce amongst each other, but being so isolated there was no formal outlet for these specialist crafters, shield & assegai-makers, basket-weavers, potters and woodcarvers, to name but being so isolated, the community had no formal outlets for their work! Having gained the trust of the community, the two friends created a small store which was soon inundated with Zulu crafters from other areas, resulting in a massive collection of traditional Zulu crafts.
1994; a High Point in the history of South Africa with the advent of the first successful Democratic Election generated a lot of interest and Tourism expanded dramatically. Ilala Weavers was awarded the SBDC Trophy for “The Most Innovative Exporter of the Year”, as well as the Sunday Tribune/Coopers & Lybrand “Exporter of the Year for SMME’s.”
Ilala Weavers continues to support local artisans and Zulu basket work now adorns museums, art galleries, homes and businesses across the globe.
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