SKU: D.BF.NZ01The beautiful, beaded, Ndebele-style, about 5” (125mm) tall Zulu dolls are a great gift for the collector, female friends, colleagues, and family, for young and old alike and are especially suited for those whom are hard to buy for irrespective of the occasion. For oneself they will be an excellent part of an African or cultural doll collection or décor / theme and a stimulating conversational piece at home or the office. The dolls want to come to your house or office to join your collection.
Made in Soweto, South Africa by or under the supervision of Nomvula (Patience) Tfwala of Zanyana Handicrafts (Swaziland and South Africa) they usually sell for $25 or more in the USA and Europe. We are able to offer them at moderate prices by contracting directly with Patience at fair trade prices.
The vibrantly styled doll is crafted to represent the traditional tribal dress and beading of a Zulu woman with her distinctive headdress. Many Zulu women are fond of personal adornment and bright color. Illiterate Zulu girls write love letters to their boyfriends in beads; and a woman’s exact status, clan, and home village are known from the patterning of her headband and necklaces.
Patience, a single mother with little formal education was born in Swaziland. She travels regularly between Soweto and her home selling handicrafts, especially dolls, to support her family and orphaned younger brothers. She also contracts with others in her community, mainly grandmothers, single women, and young girls in their care to produce these wonderful dolls and other handicrafts to her designs. Grandmas (affectionately called Gogo in Tswana and in wide usage) are the backbone of African society (and often the sole breadwinner). They play an even greater role in the AIDS pandemic by raising, caring for, and nurturing a generation of orphans (not always family related) and the many ill adults. The income from these dolls is often their sole source of additional income other than social security that is currently about US$120/month at October 2009 exchange rates.
These stunning examples of African talent, ingenuity, and art are unique in that no two are the same, however, similar the style and size as the actual bead colors and spatial patterns will be different. Your satisfaction is guaranteed! Photographs are generic:
Generic = Triplet with different colored headdress
A = Triplet Side View
B = Triplet Back View
C = Patience at home in Soweto.
If you wish to select a specific doll or dolls then complete the box I want to choose above the "add to Shopping Cart" button with “YES” or “Y” and we will send you by e-mail (for a nominal fee to cover labor) five photographs or total doll inventory whichever is the least amount, for you to make your selection.
NB The dolls are very popular with collectors and sell out fast. Should the color headdress of your choice be sold out, the quantity reads backordered (instead of a number) for that specific type. A similar product can be ordered (click on the backordered link for details) and usually takes four to eight weeks. If backorder not wanted, select another color, or remove the item from the shopping cart or at checkout.
Patience has a well-stocked inventory and the talented young woman welcomes wholesale orders. She will also make dolls to your design and specifications, send an e-mail if you have any specific requests or suggestions to help this young entrepreneur.
Patience Tfwala 
Kwaze-Kwasa [USA] Inc. 
