The Best of Zambia's Contemporary Designs (And Where To Buy Them)
As a safari hotspot and area of breathtaking natural beauty, Zambia is perhaps overlooked when it comes to cultural heritage and the arts. But the country produces some of Eastern Africa’s most stunning textiles, leathers, art and crafts. Handmade by skilled artisans in rural areas and sold in the capital of Lusaka, Zambia’s traditional design demonstrates the richness of the nation’s culture. Culture Trip brings you ten places to buy Zambian products in-country.
1. Tribal Textiles
Store
2. Nzito Furniture
Store
3. Jackal and Hide at The Design House
Market, Store
4. Kubu Crafts
Kubu Crafts
At the forefront of the Zambian design scene for over 15 years, Kubu Crafts has built a reputation for creating unique, high quality furniture that taps into the robust aesthetic of traditional African carpentry. Famous for combining time-honored woodworking skills with contemporary steel work, Kubu Crafts’ artisans are experts in creating truly original pieces. Their eco-credentials are enviable too; sourcing ethically from environmentally responsible lumber merchants means you’ll never have to worry about their furniture contributing to deforestation, while solar kilns gently cure the timber using nothing more pernicious than the power of the African sun. Outlets in Livingstone and Lusaka offer a range of beautiful off-the-shelf pieces, with the stately wooden and steel framed beds worth especial mention.
Kubu Crafts, Manda Hill Centre, Great East, Lusaka, Zambia +260-977-458576
5. Mulberry Mongoose
Store
6. Elephant Wood
Elephant Wood
Born from a desire to utilise naturally fallen trees brought down during storms, floods and by elephants, Elephant Wood is a small start-up run by Gid and Adrian Carr in the South Luangwa Valley. In a small workshop tucked behind a lagoon, the couple fashion lustrous wooden bowls of all sizes from collected timber. A small team of local craftsmen also trained in the skill of wood-turning ensure that these skills are disseminated through the community. ‘Sometimes we‘re lucky and find fallen hardwood trees already partially carved and shaped by nature. Instead of cutting out those natural faults, we spend time with the piece of tree working out how to incorporate these ‘gifts’ in to the piece’ explains Gid. Quirky lamps and tactile candle holders complete the collection, which is making waves within the Zambian design community.
Elephant Wood Workshop, Mfuwe, +26 (0) 978 729570, gidzambia@gmail.com
7. JAGODA
JAGODA
In a country famed for its gemstones, JAGODA stands out as a fine jewelry company committed to innovative design, beautiful workmanship and an uncompromising dedication to quality. From ultramodern chunky amethyst rings to delicate emerald earrings, JAGODA’s fine jewelry collections touch base with numerous contemporary design trends. Their team of in-house jewelers use stones from JAGODA’s own mines to create pieces which above all celebrate the diversity of Zambia’s gems, especially lesser known stones such as aquamarine and rubellite. Their showroom in Luano Road is a treasure trove of eye-catching jewels that bustles with Lusaka’s well-heeled residents searching out that perfect gift. Visit during the festive season and you’ll be treated to wine and nibbles too.
JAGODA, 1 Luano Road, Fairview, Lusaka, Zambia, +260 211 220814
Ababa House
Ababa House, just off Lusaka’s Addis Ababa Drive, is a destination address for Zambia’s artistic community. Famous for the popular Zebra Crossings Cafe, Ababa House is also home to The Red Dot Gallery where monthly exhibitions open with popular viewing evenings, and frequent exhibitors include plein air artist Katerina Ring, and Emily Kirby, Alison Street, Caleb Chisha and Mulenga Chafilwa. Here delicious open sandwiches and fresh juices are served alongside artwork exploring the movement and color of Zambian culture and landscapes, while around the corner Lusaka’s creative community restock their art supplies from The Art Shop Ltd and placate a sweet tooth with handcrafted Belgian chocolates from Veldemeers’ chocolate shop. Interesting souvenirs, beadwork and crockery are tucked away in rooms behind the main space and you won’t want to miss the industrial metal sculptures punctuating the gardens.
Ababa House, Maluba, Lusaka, Zambia, +260 977 415 391
By Rosie Fletcher
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
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