Fair Trade South African Shweshwe Placemat

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. Placemat measures 17" x 13.5" Unbleached organic cotton backing

 Other Items from Accessories, Placemats & Runners

  Vinylux Snack Tray - Retro-ish snacktray, made from a genuine vinyl record.
  Vinylux Record Bowl - Choose smooth or stepped: either one of these classic record bowls is sure to be a conversation piece.
  Fair Trade South African Shweshwe Runner - Gorgeous South African cotton runners, made by hand.
  Fair Trade South African Shweshwe Placemat - Gorgeous South African cotton placemats, made by hand.
  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.
  Recycled Ecotwine Placemats - Recycled cotton placemats, yarn made by hand in India.
  Modern Twist Handscreened Silicone Coasters, set of 4 - Easy to clean, waterproof, and fun to play with. Click through to see all the designs.
  Modern Twist Handscreened Silicone Doileez, set of 2 - Clean, modern silicone doilies. Decorative and functional.
  Fair Trade South African Shweshwe Napkin - Gorgeous South African cotton table napkins, made by hand.
  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.