Zambia
Tribal Textiles works to create sustainable impact in South Luangwa, Zambia through creativity and craftsmanship by going beyond fair wages,
reinvesting in community strengthening initiatives, and supporting local wildlife conservation.
Each of our products is made by hand with respect for the environment and people. From design to production, we minimize our environmental impact by sourcing locally, using sustainable materials, and repurposing waste.
We go beyond fair wages, providing artisans with the support and resources they need to thrive.
Community is at the core of everything we do. Located in a remote region of Zambia, we believe in creating a sustainable impact through grassroots development. We strive to strengthen our small, rural community by providing artisans with opportunities, creatively supporting conservation, and investing in local initiatives.
Our hand painted textiles blend traditional Batik techniques with contemporary composition and bold colors. From the animals that roam the land we live in to the iconic motifs of Africa’s vibrant heritage, our textiles draw inspiration from the culture and wildlife that surround us.
FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND MEDICAL CARE
Each of our employees receive a fair monthly wage, annual paid leave, sick pay, bereavement pay, housing allowance, travel allowance, and benefits that extend beyond their contract. Building on a culture of health and wellness, our employees receive a nutritious breakfast and fresh lunch prepared daily just for them.
We believe in the importance of access to healthcare. We provide our employees with free HIV screening. If an employee tests positive for HIV, we fund their regular follow-up visits. This allows all employees the ability to care for their health and continue working when they otherwise would not be able to.
AN EDUCATIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENT
Most of our employees have been with Tribal Textiles for more than a decade. We believe in the importance of providing employees with opportunities for career development through skills training, promotions, and leadership opportunities.
This commitment is best seen by example. In 2019, Tizaonana, our beloved former Head of Starching, left the company after 20 years to go back to school to pursue his dream of becoming an art teacher. We hope to see more of our employees seek out their dreams.
Production Techniques
1. First, we cut our 100% organic, GMO-free cotton into the dimensions of the finished product using scissors, a ruler and a very accurate eye!
2. Then, one of our starchers will mix the correct ratio of water and flour together to create the starch we use to draw our designs.
3. The cotton is soaked in water and laid out on the work bench where one of our starchers draws a pattern onto the fabric (a highly skilled technique taking years to perfect).
4. Whilst the textile is hung up to dry in the hot African sun, Richard – our Paint Mixer – mixes the colours by hand, using primary pigments and a base emulsion to match by eye to swatches created by our designer. We use water-based, non-hazardous and non-toxic paints sourced from South Africa that are safe for both people and the environment.
5. The textile is now ready to be brought to life by one of our skilled painters, balancing the colours on the product in a unique combination each time.
6. Products are then baked in an industrial oven at 155 degrees Celsius, which makes the textiles colour fast & fully washable.
7. The textile is given to Stella who scrapes off the softened starch, revealing the intricate design beneath. She washes it and hangs it up to dry in the African sun once more!
8. Finally, it is sewn into a finished product and is ready to be sent to you !