Eye on Africa

Eye on Africa provides a unique range of fine African Art including stone sculptures and wood carvings, all handcrafted in Zimbabwe. Each piece is individually carved, normally with only the use of hand tools such as a hammer and chisel and is therefore unique; no two items are exactly the same! The Stone used is a soapstone by nature with varying degrees of hardness. There are many different colours of soapstone mined in Zimbabwe, hence the various and unusual colours of the sculptures displayed.

Eye on Africa supports “Vana Childcare Ministries Zimbabwe”. This is an orphanage in Chivhu, 140km south of Harare, the capital city. Eye on Africa’s philosophy is to “reap what they sow” and this is one way in which they sow part of their business profits back into the Zimbabwean community.

Therefore, with your choice of Eye on Africa gifts, you will be helping orphans in the Vana Childcare Ministries.

Laguiole

Laguiole combine tradition and contemporary design to make exceptional cutlery chosen by many professionals. Originally a high-quality traditional French pocket-knife produced in the town of Laguiole in the Aveyron region of southern France, Laguiole also now produce an extensive range of cutlery.

The high grade stainless steel blade, is stamped, ground and then polished with over 25 manual production stages. The knives are handmade by craftsmen whose skills and knowledge has been passed from generation to generation as the design dates from the early 19th century. The Laguiole Pocket knife is also a very personal knife, often given from Father to son.

On the original traditional French pocket knife Laguiole was founded on, the catch is fashioned to resemble a bee. The right to use this imperial symbol being said to have been granted by Napoleon, though others say the design actually represents a cattle fly, linking the knife with the stockmen who were its first users.

Wathaurong Glass and Arts

Wathaurong Glass is a non-profit company and was formed to express aboriginal art in glass. This may include the use of kiln forming, sandblasting or any other technique they feel is suitable to achieve the desired result. Great pride is taken in producing unique artwork with a net result of high quality glass products, currently including but not limited to Platters, Bowls & Tabletops. The colours are vibrant and exciting and the wares are sought after by art galleries and museums world wide.

All the staff are aboriginal and the company is structured so that the community of Wathaurong & the broader community will be the beneficiaries of any profit. The name "WATHAURONG" (wathawurrung or wada warrung) is a recognised tribe, and consisted of 25 groups (clans).