About the bowls...
Years ago, Swahili enjoyed a wonderful
relationship with Kromkloof Designs of South Africa, a company that
crafted museum-quality salad bowls from teak and kiatt. In
2002, a tragic turn of events in the lives of the owners of Kromkloof
necessitated the end of Swahili's relationship with the company and
their beautiful bowls.
Today, one of the owners of Kromkloof has
returned to business, and we are thrilled to again be offering his
exquisite bowls. Anton says, "It was not a choice, but my passion to
continue with the only career I know...in reality you need to be very
passionate when it comes to doing business, understanding and facing
all the challenges on a continent as diverse as Africa."
Each
bowl is hand carved from teak or wild olive wood by artisans in and
around Bulawayo in Western Zimbabwe. The shape of the bowl reflects its
particular region in Zimbabwe. The raw forms are then transported by
bus to South Africa, where Anton and his employees burn designs into
the wood to create the finished piece. Of the burned designs, Anton
says, "Each bowl is an inspiration, as the carvers work under severe
circumstances to make each bowl a unique creation. We are inspired by
their handiwork."
Anton also credits their natural environment
for inspiration, stating, "Having an opportunity to live and work on a
farm in the Waterberg Biosphere is a unique experience, and you cannot
help but be inspired by nature and her creation."
