TEEPEE SHADE

We use Ilala palm, an indigenous plant growing along the north-eastern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, to make the shades. For many centuries, this plant has provided weaving materials and has been used for various other needs, including thatching, mats, sandals and as a source of intoxicating palm wine called iNjemane.

The selection of colours is influenced by the seasonal availability of certain vegetation, roots, and barks of specific trees. Dyeing the palm fronds is partially a tradition handed down from old masters, partially a blend of science and alchemy, and largely governed by the creativity and experience of the individual weavers as they experiment according to their artistic drive for every different colour variation.