Batik Deco

ABOUT US AND OUR PRODUCT

Batiks from Mozambique - over 100 batiks handmade by Mozambican artists. Each one an original, vibrantly coloured wall hanging.

Hello, my name is Manuela, but I am also known by many of my Senegalese colleagues as the White African. I was born in Mozambique, and have lived in Africa for just over 30 years. At present I am living in Tenerife, and can be seen at the markets on the island selling Mozambican batiks. As many people who have met me at the market will tell you, I am passionate about Africa and its people, and am always happy to regale people with stories of this wonderful continent. I have been selling batiks for 14 years, and in some small way, I am helping the artists that I work with to earn a living in a dignified way. In making these beautifully hand-crafted wall hangings available to you, the artists and I share a little bit of our love for Africa and its culture with you.

All of the artists that I buy from are Mozambican, and all of their work reflects the traditional way of life which is still prevalent today in their country. Mozambique is a country of magnificent stretches of white beaches and coconut palms as far as the eye can see. It is scattered with traditional villages where women still collect water from wells or rivers, where the corn is ground in a “pilao” in order to make flour, and where the huts are made with “caniÇo” (thin bamboo-type reeds). Shopping is done in open air markets, where there is always fierce yet friendly competion between all the different stalls as to who can attract the most customers. Wherever you look you will see a ready smile and a friendly face, and of course a lot of giggling children. You will see this way of life reflected in each batik, each one an original, and each one hand-made.

SOME PHOTOS TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT THE ARTISTS ARE TRYING TO PORTRAY!