Mulapani Mutafela

Mulapani is 18 years old and has recently become a craftsman in Kafue. He is just starting out and is quickly getting to grips with carving small giraffes.

Kafue Giraffes

The craftsmen based on the roadside in the town of Kafue, 50km outside of Lusaka, sculpt mainly giraffes out of single pieces of wood. They also make other pieces such as birds, antelopes, large trunks and chests, elephant tables and large hippos. Kafue Giraffes are well loved and are possibly the undisputed best example of carved wooden giraffes in Africa.

Kafue Craftsmen

Most of the craftsman are sent to school by their families. They learn their crafts from their fathers, helping out when they are not in school. They eventually drop out of school and take to carving full time as a means of making a living. The skills are passed on from father to son.