Sponsorship

Threads of Gold

It began in 2002, when Julia Meintjes was assembling a collection of art for RFC Ambrian’s Sydney office. Rob Adamson was drawn to a woven copper bowl by an artist from Mdukatshani in the Thukela (Tugela) Valley.

Fascinated with the craftsmanship, Rob mused whether a similar bowl was possible with gold wire. Due to the difficulties of weaving with 18-carat gold wire, the first little bowl was a challenging experiment and took over two years to complete.

The commission was given to Mzonzima Dladla, another weaver from the Tugela Valley. After overcoming technical, creative and logistical difficulties, Mzonzima successfully completed the first 18 carat gold bowl. In 2008, the University of Stellenbosch commissioned a special edition of six bowls, which were presented to a select group of donors – and the project was formally names Threads of Africa.

Today, a growing body of artists use various combinations of gold, silver, and copper thread to create handmade pieces which are as beautiful as they are unique.

Threads of Africa is the story of the artists and their creative process.

ETV on Threads

The Dancers
The Little Gold Bowl

The Unknown Potters