Fair Trade South African Shweshwe Runner

The Shweshwe range is made entirely of natural, 100% African cotton, is fairly traded and is handmade by a co-operation of small workshops and charitable skills development programs in the Garden Route of South Africa. The range has been developed with immense pride in our South African heritage and in the knowledge that this beautiful cloth should be worn and appreciated by a wider audience across the world. First brought to South Africa by settlers in the 1800's, shweshwe fabrics were soon worn by the indigenous Xhosa people who adapted them to give them the distinctive African feel that they still have today. Originally the fabric was heavily starched to protect it from the damp as it travelled across the ocean in the holds of ships. The initial stiffness of the fabric caused the swishing sound of the women’s long, full skirts as they walked, hence the name "Shweshwe". Shweshwe fabric became hugely significant to the Xhosa people, so much so that it was regarded as barter currency and to this day it is worn at weddings and other celebrations.

 Other Items from Accessories, Placemats & Runners

  Vinylux Record Bowl - Choose smooth or stepped: either one of these classic record bowls is sure to be a conversation piece.
  Vinylux Snack Tray - Retro-ish snacktray, made from a genuine vinyl record.
  Josh Jakus Recycled Rubber Coaster Six Pack - A nod to Americana, these coasters were inspired by the conventional 6-pack. Add a touch of class to your football party. Just tear out the individual coasters for use, then put them back in the ring for storage.
  Josh Jakus Recycled Rubber Grabber Placemat - Never lose those napkin rings again! They're part of the placemat itself--ingenius! Pop the attached ring out of the mat and interlock around the napkin, then tuck safely back in for easy storage.
  German Felt Placemat - Thick, elegant felt protects your table from even very warm dishes.
  German Felt Potholder - Hold your pots and cherish your potholders. Made in Germany from durable, attractive felt.
  German Felt Wine Rack - Hold your wine in place with this clever felt rack.
  German Felt Coaster - Protect your tables and counters with this high quality coaster, made in Germany from durable felt.
  Bicycle Chain Bottle Opener - Clever bottle opener re-purposed from recycled bike chain, in fun fashion colors.
  Bamboo Utensil Holder - Store your utensils in this jaunty bamboo holder, which seems to have been fashioned from one section of a giant bamboo stalk.
  Gaby Crumb Board - This unusual 100% bamboo cutting board catches the crumbs as you do the cutting. What a nice arrangement!