Blackwood Rice Paddle

Makonde Wood Carvers

 

Designed by QASA QASA based in London, these blackwood piece is hand made by a small group of Makonde wood carvers who are based in Mtwara, southern Tanzania.  Each piece is carefully carved from a single piece of wood and takes several hours to make. The carver first saws a block of wood to the required size, then creates a rough outline by hacking away excess wood. The carving is all done freehand with hammers, chisels and rasps, before finally sanding the piece to ensure smoothness and enhance the natural grain of the wood.

 

The Makonde tribe is renowned for their wood carving skills, which are passed down for generations from father to son. Each piece embodies their heritage and carries with it a part of the makers history.

 

We are committed to preserving this tradition by offering these artisans a platform to connect to the global marketplace. These workers are provide fair wages and entrust them with innovative designs, training workshops and opportunities to sustain themselves, allowing them to make larger contributions to their own community.

 

Your purchase fosters their skill and passion and helps to keep time-honoured heritage techniques alive, while creating economic and social value. Your purchase supports job creation and helps to keep the tradition of wood carving in the Makonde tribe alive.

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Locally sourced indigenous wood - Mninga and African Blackwood.

Hand wash in lukewarm water and dry thoroughly. Do not put in the dishwasher or leave soaking. Use food safe mineral oil when required to revive the natural finish of the wood.