Makadi (Hello)

 

My name is Rachael Majokwiro and I am a member and the saleswoman of the Biriwiri Women Crafts Association, based in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe in Chimanimani.  We are known for our unique, indigenous, 100% natural, handmade and environmentally friendly tree bark crafts also known as Gudza crafts.

 

Long before Africa was colonized our ancestors used tree bark to make blankets, warm clothing and other functional items for the home.  One might think that a blanket or a garment made from tree bark is uncomfortable but we believe these products, especially the original African blankets, rival any similar item on the market!

 

Our association was founded in 1960 but I was formally introduced to the craft in 1977.  I was motivated by a desire to learn more about my culture and its history.  Over the years our association has received attention from non governmental organizations (NGO) which have helped strengthen our skills, our knowledge and our product.  For example an NGO called SAFIRE came to our community to conduct studies on the barks we use to assess the environmental impact of our work.  We learned that we were blessed because every time we cut on particular tree, it grows more branches rapidly thus providing us with a never ending source of raw materials.  While we have always known this, it was comforting to receive the endorsement of such a prestigious organization.

 

EMPRETEC is an organization which supports individuals and groups with the business aspect of their work for example sales, marketing, costing etc…  They too were instrumental in getting us to where we are today. Of course our customers have also been instrumental in helping us develop new products conducive to modern day demands.  We’ve made clocks, bowls, hats and fancy shoes for export to markets in Japan, South Africa and within Zimbabwe itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We use the barks of trees called Mugudza, Muunze, Mapfuti and Mawuyu (baobab).  We make our own dyes from leaves, roots and ashes.  The plants regenerate themselves and this is why we believe our work is environmentally friendly.  I remember one lady in my village pointing to a small baobab tree in her yard and telling a researcher that the bark of that tree alone had been sustaining her family since she was a little girl.  She is now a woman with children of her own and the tree is still standing.

 

At one time there were 60 of us in our group but our numbers dwindled to about 40.  This is mainly due to our perilous economy which has forced people to move into other trades such as selling clothes, vegetables or cross border trading of cheap Chinese made goods.  We use simple tools to make our crafts – a knife, a duri (large pestle and mortar), a hari (clay pot) and our hands.  The clay pot is non corrosive and can withstand high heat when we make our dyes or boil our barks to soften them for weaving. Our most popular products are doormats, hats, bags and placemats.  Why should people continue to make things by hand? Our answer is “So that traditional cultures do not die.” 

The biggest challenge we face is a lack of BUYERS! We are really desperate for more orders to keep up the momentum.  It doesn’t help that we live in a remote location, however if you contact ZAACA via email they will help us deliver what you need. 

 

I can be reached directly on +263 774 976 220 or Tuso Store, PO Box 2020, Chimanimani, Zimbabwe.  Buyers are welcome to come and stay with us in our traditional village homes if you need specific designs and need to train us to create your designs.  The Japanese have done it before and we became great friends.