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Working in various mediums ranging from recycled cans to natural materials to textiles, our crafters are multi-talented, and nothing goes to waste with their inventive minds. Many crafters are members of The Ruoko Project, Elephants' Walk community art development program or the Rasta Compassion group of local do-gooders who work on charity projects, especially with the vulnerable elderly of Victoria Falls.
Angela's colourful stand greets you at the entrance, covered in creations made from traditional chitenge cloth, all carefully sewn on her hand powered Singer sewing machine.
Lucia specialises in creating whimsical African scenes and figures from layering patches of banana leaf, recycled materials and fabrics. She also uses local sand and pigment colours to create art panels.
Ish is a lesson in resilience to us all. Accidentally shot and partially paralysed in a drive-by shooting in South Africa, he never gave up and refocused his life on becoming a crafter, using the power of his hands. He specialises in working with all of the discarded aluminium cans from the coffee shop to create magical creatures and home décor pieces.
RONALD MBAMBO & TITUS ‘TNT” ZHIKALI
| tee 'n' me beadworks & batiks |
As some of the longest term tenants of Elephants' Walk, Ronnie and TNT are familiar figures to visitors and locals alike. Filled with a multitude of crafts ranging from beadwork, through recycled craft to textile batik, their bright space houses a storeroom made from recycled beer bottle caps that led to them creating the in-store décor for the Zeitz MOCCA Museum opening show on Zimbabwean art in Cape Town, South Africa. As the founders of the local Rasta Compassion group, Ronnie and TNT are happiest when giving back and are always smiling at the centre of any charity arts project. The beautiful children's playground they created from recycled materials at the Jafuta Foundation Centres of Hope in Dibutibu is their pride and joy.
MEMBERS OF RUOKO PROJECT
Ephraim is the spiritual heart of Elephant's Walk. As a Ndau traditional healer, he holds the lore of centuries and is a calm, guiding presence. He uses his artistic skills to create wire and bead sculptures, from the smallest miniatures to life-sized heads. His clever hands imbue each piece with its quirky personality, so it's like meeting a live menagerie when choosing a piece. His pieces are unique and hold his sense and imagination of the world.
MEMBER OF RUOKO PROJECT
You can find Andrew, Tafadzwa, Thabani & Stephen polishing and sculpting their wares in our small open-air craft market and try bargaining as you look for the perfect souvenir from their selection.
Shopping here gives you a taste of the large, open outdoor markets without the pressure. Venture out of Elephant's Walk if you want to try the bigger markets run separately, but you'll find something special here.
Enjoy hours of browsing around some of the best speciality shops and studios Zimbabwe has to offer, meet the makers, sample delicious cuisine, take in a show, relax with spa treatments - all just minutes from the majestic Victoria Falls.