Tribal Textiles - Where Art Meets Wildlife

Tribal Textiles shop

By: Bongi Kellner Photos: Edward Selfe

The South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is one of the finest safari destinations in Africa. And just outside its gates lies a hidden gem: alongside lodges, camps and food markets is Tribal Textiles, one of the most inspiring companies you may ever come across.

Tribal Textiles produces a breathtaking array of beautiful hand-painted fabrics and home furnishings that serve as a perfect souvenir from the African bush. Inspiration for their designs is derived from African art and culture, Zambian wildlife, and the flora and fauna of Zambia’s nature. You may be asking yourself what makes Tribal Textiles worth a visit.

A trip to Tribal will allow you not only to browse an impressive selection of authentic African products, but also to witness every step of production, from the mixing of the colours to the hand-drawing and painting of each piece. The product range is diverse and Tribal offers something for every room in your house; perhaps a wash bag for your bathroom, cushions for your sofas, napkins for your table or a range of bright and colourful gifts for children. your safari in the Valley then consider a Tribal Textiles Art Safari. This hugely enjoyable experience offers you the chance to design and paint your own cushion cover, bag or wall hanging, with as much (or as little) help as you need from the local resident artists. Equally popular with youngsters and adults, it’s a safari unlike any other and can even be squeezed between morning and afternoon game drives to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.

The company has grown dramatically since it was established 25 years ago by Gillie Lightfoot under a baobab tree on the banks of the Luangwa. Tribal now boasts an online shop, and a thriving export business, shipping to dozens of

countries around the world. Of course, the company has also expanded the number of artists to accommodate its production growth. Today it employs over 100 local men and women, making it one of the biggest employers in the South Luangwa valley.

Tribal takes great pride in sourcing ethically African-made products and it is a big supporter of local artisans and craft groups. The shop sells a wide range of Zambian artisan products, including celebrated snare-wire jewellery by Mulberry Mongoose, hand-made soaps and candles by Azimai, beautiful eco-friendly hand-carved bowls by Elephant Wood, and gorgeous jewellery and leather bags by founder Gillie Lightfoot.

The company supports several local community projects and is proud to co-fund and help administrate the nearby Malimba community school which educates over 500 students, many of whom have parents working at Tribal.

Talented members of the local community are also invited to sell their wares direct to visitors in the artisan market in the grounds of Tribal’s own production facility. This charming rustic market offers guests the chance to watch artisans at work - from wood carvers and basket weavers to metal welders; there’s plenty to see.

Tribal’s location on the road to the airport makes it easily accessible at any point during your stay. Stop by on your way into or out of Mfuwe, or better still take an afternoon to do an art safari and ‘shop ‘til you drop’ in their beautiful showrooms. The shop is open every day from 07.00 to 16.30 and free tours of the workshop, led by the artisans themselves, are available on weekdays and Saturday mornings.

For those not so keen on shopping, you can put your feet up in the delightful courtyard café and enjoy some fresh Zambian coffee, along with a selection of international and local dishes cooked on site by the lovely Dorica, a local legend in Mfuwe. So whatever you’re looking for, Tribal Textiles is definitely worth a taste.

Follow Tribal Textiles on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest or shop online via their website www.tribaltextiles.co.zm. Best of all though – go and see them for yourself!

Colourful kids’ range