Wood Carvers of Mozambique

The Miombo Woodlands eco-system covers 5 million sq. kilometers of hot, sub-humid, seasonally wet Africa. The eco-system supports 100 million people with food fuel water and building materials.

While craft production accounts for the smallest percentage of the hardwood used, any use needs a defensible management strategy. In the US-AID development organization Aid to Artisan's (ATA) Mozambique project, artisans have learned to turn faster growing softer woods into newly designed appealing products. Scraps of various hardwoods from construction use are collected and carved, as well as downed trees that wash into local stream and rivers.

 

The artisan community Swahili Imports works with is located outside the main city of Maputo. Portuguese is the main language and there is little English spoken. Aid to Artisans has been instrumental in the training and development of the craft sector in that area. Swahili Imports and ATA have worked closely over the years to develop fresh and exciting product lines that demonstrate the amazing skill of Mozambique's artisans.

Thank you ATA for your invaluable assistance with product development!