Lifestyle: An African Inspired Christmas

Tintsaba [Swaziland]

[Image credits: Tintsaba]

Getting ready to trim the tree? Christmas is a time for giving, receiving and sharing so why not let your tree embody that sentiment with meaningful ornaments. Bypass the convenience of picking up mass-produced baubles from your high street store, instead find out what local artists, designers or community organisations have to offer, and it goes without saying your local church, school and community fairs are sources for uncovering some unique gems. With so much to chose from I have zoomed the spotlight on Tintsaba whose wonderfully simple yet stylish ornaments brought a smile to my face.

Tintsaba, set up in Swaziland in 1985, specialises in high-quality hand-woven products using sisal. An income-generating organisation, Tintsaba enables women in the local communities to become highly skilled master weavers, silversmiths and/or managers, through investing in a continuous cycle of training and product development. A focus on individual development is one of Tintsaba’s core values, creating an environment where the women can participate in HIV/AIDS training workshops, a literacy training programme called Tintsaba Reads and have access to a mobile health clinic. Over the years approximately 900 women have benefited and contributed to the success of Tintsaba.

[Image credits: Tintsaba]

To complete the effect, why not hang them on this gorgeous wooden birch tree by South African design company Koop, available at PurelyAfrican.

[Image credit: Purely African]

Additional Details:
Selected Tintsaba products can be bought at Purely African, prices range from: £3.50-£4.50
Birch Christmas tree: £95
For further information and international stockists visit: www.tintsaba.com