by Ncaba Ntshakala
Eswatini’s artisans recently took centre stage at the Paris Design Week Factory, where they introduced their distinctive hand-crafted products to an international audience.
This was shared by the European Union in Eswatini (EU) which shared that the event was a significant achievement for the artisans, who blended their traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles in collaboration with European designers.
EU added that the foundation of this creative endeavor lies in the artistic exchange between Eswatini artisans and European designers.
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“The collaboration brought together five Eswatini cooperatives and small businesses which are Siyaphambili, Indzaba Yami, Favourite Designs, Quazi, and Tintsaba,” asserted EU.
“These enterprises worked alongside European designers Mari Koppanen, Kaja Dahl, Agathe Pautrot, and Delphine Meriaux to create innovative products that harmoniously blend contemporary design with traditional techniques.”
During the exhibition, artisans from Tintsaba, Siyaphambili, and Favourite Designs were said to have captivated audiences with a range of exquisite hand-crafted items.
These included intricately woven grass baskets, elegant sisal handbags, and the standout piece of the event was the Ingcongwane Lamp which is a product that perfectly was hailed as it exemplifies the fusion of Eswatini’s cultural heritage and modern design aesthetics.
According to EU, the products received enthusiastic feedback from attendees, further highlighting the global appeal of the artisans’ work.
Lettinah Phangwane from Tintsaba shared her excitement about the experience saying, “It was an honour to showcase our work in Paris.
The exposure has helped us expand into international markets while staying true to our cultural roots.
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Visitors loved our handmade baskets and were curious about our traditional techniques and materialsth is experience has opened up new opportunities for us.”
Bafanabethu Gina of Favourite Designs echoed these sentiments, noting the transformative impact of the collaboration with European designers. “Collaborating with European designers was a game-changer.
The ‘Ingcongwane Lamp’ we created blends Eswatini’s heritage with modern design trends. People in Paris were fascinated by our craft, and it’s inspiring to see our products gaining international attention.
This project has not only boosted our business but also helped us share our culture with the world.”
Moreover, Luis Miguel Pascoal, the EU Programme Officer, emphasized the significance of the initiative saying, “The European Union is proud to support Eswatini’s artisans as they bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
This collaboration empowers communities, fostering growth and preserving heritage.”
EU added that this initiative is part of the EU-supported “Eswatini: Promoting Growth through Competitive Alliances” programme.
This program is aligned with the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and it focuses on promoting export-led growth, creating jobs, and strengthening alliances within Eswatini’s creative and business sectors.
