Zambia Arts & Crafts

Arts and Crafts in Zambia

Graphical art in Zambia has a much deep defined history. There are certain traditions in design and representation derived from rock art patterns, but also considerable influence from history in the present Zambians way of living.

The country boasts a rich cultural background which brings with it a wide variety of traditional handicraft skills to its citizens. Zambia Arts and Crafts are found in great abundance and is among the top African states with the finest basketry.

Before the colonial period, craft work here was habitually done seasonally to earn incomes for most Zambian families. This was initially intended for barter and made according to the needs of other villagers; and for further exchange for textiles, jewelery, salt and hardware. To many, especially the subsistence farmers, craft work was their only means of earning.

The most popular traditional crafts are majorly in pottery, basketry (such as Tonga baskets), stools, fabrics, mats, wooden carvings, ivory carvings, wire craft and copper crafts.

Culturally made baskets and pots are more common in the densely populated suburbs of most cities. Men usually taken on the woodwork and carving furniture, walking sticks, utensils, food dishes as well as masks and drums. Basketry is widespread and is usually left to the women.

The Lozi and Mbunda people in the Western Province are the more experts in this field. The several products made depict the real cultural flavours of the local Zambians. They decorate them with symbolic designs using traditional dyes made from different coloured soils, roots, bark and leaves. Some of the common raw materials used include bamboo, liana vines, roots, reeds, grasses, rushes, papyrus palm leaves, bark and sisal.

The major concern however is that majority of the young generation are losing these traditional craft skills because some regard them as backward, others due to their lessening sales, and others have begun to make more modern items like lampshades, laundry baskets and furniture to match the ‘westernized products’.

Major Arts & crafts Galleries in Zambia

• The Henry Tayali Centre – Tel: 254526
• Chaminuka Gallery – Tel: +260 1 222694 / 225432
• Mpapa Gallery (National Art Collection Museum) – Tel: 228805
• Rockston Studios – 22 Elm St, Woodlands
• Namwande Gallery at Leopards Hill Rd -Tel: 750694
• African Visions at 216 Mosi-0-Tunya Rd – Tel: 322452
• Kubu Crafts at Mosi-O-Tunya Rd – Tel: 324091