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Intu-Art Pottery: South Africa
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 Each ceramic piece of pottery is made by hand and no two pieces are identical. The artists sign each piece that they create, so buyers are not only purchasing a functional piece of ceramic, but a high-end piece of art as well.
The company started with only three artists and borrowed equipment. Now the company employs 34 staff members (28 artists and 6 factory workers) all from local communities. They foster creativity within the company and often develop new shapes and products in consultation with the aritsts. view more...
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Shona Sculptures: Zimbabwe
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 The Shona people from Zimbabwe and are best known for their skills in sculpting the different varieties of stone found in Zimbabwe. Shona sculpture is steeped in the legend and traditions of an ancient African culture, yet stunningly modern in appearance. Shona sculptors, transcending geography and time, create in the living stone profound expressions of the human condition. Sculpting by hand with simple and found tools, these self-taught artists carve in indigenous serpentine, springstone, opal stone and rare precious verdite among others. The result is a diverse body of work alive with dynamic, spiritual themes. view more...
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Bead & Wire Art: South Africa
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 These hand made, intricately detailed bead and wire animal figures are made with exceptional craftsmanship, unusual designs and attention to detail that bears a striking resemblance to its counterpart that roams the wild.
Each piece is the culmination of many hours of highly skilled work, patience and dedication. view more...
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Ngwenya Glass: Swaziland
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 NGWENYA - (Siswati name for "crocodile") A small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry breath life into enchanting interpretations of the animals of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Each item is handmade from 100% recycled glass, most of which is from Coke bottles, gathered from all over Swaziland. Not only are the people of Swaziland encouraged to collect the bottles, but Ngwenya works with the local schools to instill in the children a sense of environmental awareness. read more...
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Bark Cloth: Uganda
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 Bark cloth making is an ancient craft performed by the Baganda people who live in the Buganda kingdom in southern Uganda. For over 600 years, craftsmen of the Ngonge clan have been manufacturing bark cloth for the Baganda royal family and the rest of the community, headed by a kaboggoza, the hereditary chief craftsman, who lives in the Nsangwa village in Mawokota, situated in Mpigi District.
The inner bark of the Mutuba tree (ficus natalensis) is harvested during the wet season and then, in a long and strenuous process, beaten with different types of wooden mallets to make its texture soft and fine and give it an even terracotta colour. Craftsmen work in an open shed to protect the bark from drying out too quickly While common bark cloth is terracotta in colour, bark cloth of the kings and chiefs is dyed white or black and worn in a different style to underline their status. view more...
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Tribal Masks |
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 African Tribal Masks are used for specific events or gatherings, such as funerals or ceremonies. Although African masks are commonly seen throughout Africa, each African society has their own unique mask that symbolize themselves and their culture.
Most African societies have no extensive written culture so masked dances serve to teach people right from wrong. Masks are also carved to represent a culture's ideal of feminine beauty. Animal masks connect people with the spirit world that traditional African beliefs say inhabit the forests and open savannas. view masks... |
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Our Amazon Book Store:
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 We have partnered with Amazon.com to give you Books, Music & more in the Gems of Africa Gallery Bookstore. The items in this section can only be purchased through our Amazon store and are NOT available for sale in our gallery. Some items are one of a kind or are in limited quantity so they may no longer be available. Items in this section change frequently so keep a look out for new items to be added. view now...
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Fundraiser:
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Want a Great New Way To Raise Money?
Let Gems of Africa Gallery help you to raise money for yourself or your organization!
How it Works:
- You invite your guests to Gems of Africa Gallery to a private sales event for yourself or a fundraising event for your organization.
- We host the event and provide light refreshments for your invited guests.
- Your guests purchase items from our gallery.
- We donate 15% (individual) or 20% (organization) of All items purchased from that event to you or your organization.
It's a Win-Win for Everyone:
- Your friends/supporters get to buy great African art.
- You raise money for yourself or your organization at a minimal effort on your part.
- We get new people into our gallery.
You provide the people and we provide everything else. It just can't get any simpler than that.
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