Malawi Tables

Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa. It is bordered in the North and East by Tanzania, on the east, south and southwest by Mozambique and to the west by Zambia. The country lies within the Great African Rift Valley system. Lake Malawi, a body of water some 360 miles long and about 1,500 ft above sea level, is its most prominent physical feature. Hominids are known to have inhabited the Malawi area as long as two million years ago. The remains of settlements of modern humans dating back some 100,000 years have been found on the shores of Lake Malawi.

The African peoples in Malawi are all of Bantu origin. About 2000 years ago these 'Stone Age Malawians' came under pressure from another race of people, the Bantu, who were gradually migrating into the area. The Bantu brought knowledge of iron working with them, giving them the edge in both agriculture and warfare. Eventually, the Bantu completely dominated the earlier inhabitants. Today the main ethnic groups are the Chewa, dominant in the central and southern parts of the country; the Yao, also found in the south; and the Tumbuka in the north. Alongside the established religions, many Malawians also hold traditional animist beliefs. From an artistic concern the country of Malawi is home to a few prominent individuals noted for batiks and sculpture workings.

Authentic Africa is pleased to introduce a new group of highly skilled Malawian carvers that have created unique tables from solid pieces of wood known as "Muwangu" which is indigenous to the country. This wood features a beautiful grain that is highlighted by natural dark to light contrasts. These wooden forms ,some configured into simple geometrical shapes with a modernistic flair while others give way to complexity, can be used as tables and pedestals. Either way they will be well received in any home or office décor.

Please see the individual selections below.