Fine Arts of Swaziland

From Grass to Glass… The Artisans of Swaziland

Amid political challenges, the highest rate of HIV infection in the world, poverty, famine, drought, and the seemingly insensitive government, the Swazi people continue to use their natural skills and talent to create beautiful artisan products for Africa and for the world.

Swaziland, a tiny country the size of New Jersey, is home to lush natural resources as well as people with a zest for life. It remains a monarchy, with the king as head of state.

Political and economic observers believe that Swaziland is a country on the verge of full-blown crisis. With over 1/3 of pregnant women positive for the HIV virus and close to 30% of the population infected, about two-thirds of its population live below the poverty line. Traditionally farmers, unpredictable weather and poor agricultural policies from the government have led many Swazis to seek livelihood in the cities – which exacerbates problems. In the cities, lack of opportunities has caused many Swazis, mostly women, to turn to sex work, which complicates the HIV epidemic. The prevalence of HIV and AIDS related deaths strongly impact the lives of women and children. Single parent families working to build a life and make a livelihood face an uphill battle. In the patriarchal society of Swaziland, widows and children orphaned by the HIV pandemic face increased hardships when there is no longer a breadwinner in the home.

In contrast, Swaziland as a nation has much to be proud of. The area now known as Swaziland has seen inhabitants for thousands of years. Ancient tribes would periodically settle in the area as it was ideal for agriculture and raising animals. The people in the area have been working with their hands for equally as long as it has been inhabited.

Artifacts dating back 200,000 were discovered in recent archeological digs as well as prehistoric rock paintings dating around 25,000 BCE and which continued to flourish until the last century. Some of the earliest known arts in Swaziland were iron working and pottery.

To this day, many Swazis continue to earn a living through this craft legacy. While most Swazis are farmers, up to 75%, a growing number of them, particularly women, are rediscovering and improving on local arts and indigenous crafts.

Alongside tourist attractions, Swazis offer up their wares in roadside outlets, boutiques and specialty stores which feature décor, jewelry, glassware and even candles. Textiles and baskets are two important arts that are helping Swazi women and families earn a livelihood.

Sisal, a tall, dry grass is plentiful in Swaziland. The Swazi people have traditionally used this grass to weave baskets, curtains, nests, mats and thatched roofs for their own use. Called lutindzi locally, the grass is harvested from mountainous areas, dried, and woven into handicrafts.

Swazi people have perfected the art of basket weaving to a tee. Fine weaving skills are evident in the mats of all shapes and sizes, baskets for every use and function including holding liquid which are common among Swazi household items.

Interest groups have discovered the unique and timeless hand working talents of the Swazi people, and today, numerous organizations have come in to assist and partner with the Swazi people build a better life. Through training and new ideas, these groups have introduced more efficient methods of production as well as the integration of creative new design ideas that take Swazi crafts from simple to stunning. Through fair trade, even the most underprivileged of Swazi artisans are sure to receive fair wages and work in adequate working conditions. Safe working conditions are an important element in the effort to support positive economic change and advantages for the producers.

Swazi artisans are also known to make beautiful and elegant hand-woven textiles for clothing, shawls, blankets and other cloth accessories. From artisan-ship as a means of livelihood, these days, artisans are using their craft and design skills to also send some form of a message. A lot of designs carry nationalistic and African oriented themes, for the people a communication of their sense of identity and nationhood. There are also designs and items geared towards promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, a way to get the word out in these difficult times.

In the end, a people's craft is ultimately more than just something they work with their hands. Arts and crafts are a means of livelihood, yes, but they are a cultural legacy as well as expressions of empowerment, values, struggle and hope which are hand built, woven, sewn and dyed into each and every artifact.

References:

1. Creative Women – www.creativewomen.net

2. Voice of America News. "In Aids-afflicted Swaziland, rural women learn weaving for profit." Voice of American News, 09 April 2009. News online at http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2009-04-09-voa55-68733542.html?refresh=1 3.

3.World Bank Group & Vital Voices. "Doing Business: Women in Africa." World Bank Group & Vital Voices: 2008. Report online at http://www.doingbusiness.org/documents/Women_in_Africa.pdf