Metal

Metal Recycling or Metal Up-cycling, as the artisans themselves call it, has developed into an art form in Zimbabwe.

The combination of talents for art and the plenty metal waste and an unemlpoyment rate at 80%, has made up cycling of metal waste possible and economic feasible. The raw materials are metal or iron scrap from cars, trucks, fridges, door frames to mention a few.

The welders, often have a background as car mechanics or they were trained in the industry, but due to 15 years or more of economic crisis, people have had to make a plan. The welders, we are trading with, have learned fine welding art from other welders, usually it is learning by doing. – Being a an artist or crafter, gives them not only income and employment in their own workshops, but status in the local community and hope for the future.

The welders are very talented ! The animals and birds have real life expressions: some of them look curious, others angry, some hesitante or playful – see for your self, they are great !

THE HOUSE AT THE SEA receives our recycled metal birds and -animals from different welding workshops in the poor working districts in Harare. – In a closed factory building works about 20 welders both inside and out side the building with their creations. The welders are members of the local art-and craft association and are Fairtrade approved by Fairtrade Denmark, through HOUSE BY THE SEA.