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Telephone Wire

The wire’s flexibility and strength makes it an ideal material for weaving, shaping, and constructing pieces that require both structure and artistic expression. As a result, telewire has become a prominent material in the creation of decorative and functional objects such as baskets, lighting fixtures, and furniture.

• Each wire light pendant is handmade so designs may vary slightly.
• This wire light pendant excludes a globe/bulb and needs a E27 screw-in bulb.
• This wire light pendant is fitted with a lamp holder, ceiling cup, and mounting cables.
• This wire light pendant is ceiling-mounted and requires installation.
• The wire colours may vary slightly and are subject to availability.

This line of telephone wire light fittings was inspired by our collaboration with master telewire weaver Bab’ Alfred Ntuli and Elizabeth Joubert of Tin Lab Designs on Alfred’s pendant. The design draws from a practice that dates back to the 1960s, where Zulu night watchmen began weaving scraps of telephone wire around their traditional sticks.

Telewire, also known as telephone wire or telecom wire, has its roots in the telecommunications industry, where it was initially used for connecting telecommunication systems. Over time, artisans in various regions began to repurpose this durable material for creative and functional uses, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa.

In KZN, the use of telewire in handmade crafts gained traction as local artisans sought out sustainable and affordable materials to create intricate and durable products. The wire’s flexibility and strength made it an ideal material for weaving, shaping, and constructing pieces that required both structure and artistic expression. As a result, telewire became a prominent material in the creation of decorative and functional objects such as baskets, lighting fixtures, and furniture.

In Zulu culture, watchmen, also known as “Izinyanga zempi,” played a vital role in safeguarding the community. These watchmen would often spend long hours in their posts, keeping a watchful eye over the surroundings and ensuring the safety of the village.

During their shifts, they would find innovative ways to pass the time and express their artistic talents. One such practice was weaving intricate patterns using telecommunication wires. The telecommunication wires, also known as “tele wire,” were repurposed into beautiful and visually striking creations.

The Zulu artisans behind these masterpieces have taken a once-utilitarian telecommunication wire and transformed it into an emblem of adaptability and ingenuity.

To clean, simply use a feather duster.

Leadtime

It is made to order with a lead time of 8-10 weeks from receipt of payment. This excludes the holiday period from the 15th December to 15th  January. No deliveries will be made on weekends or public holidays.

Circumstances that are unforeseen or beyond our control may result in changes to the agreed delivery date and time. You will be informed by telephone and alternative arrangements will be made.

Shipping

The volume of each package will vary depending on the piece and number of items ordered. Shipping costs will be calculated during the checkout process.