Grass Mats | Amacansi | South Africa
EARTH AFRICA is situated in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - all our grass mats are handmade by the rural Zulu women from naturally harvested Ncema grass. The tropical climate of KZN also ensures the finest quality Ncema grass in South Africa.
Grass Mats are traditionally used as sleeping mats however due to their versatility and natural beauty they have numerous commercial uses in the exhibition, building, film and safari lodge industry.
- In comparison to similar imported products of the same size they are well priced.
- Extremely durable and long-lasting as they are made from Ncema Grass which is a hardy plant.
- Easy to work with - they can be cut to size or joined together to cover large surface areas.
- Superb product for cladding in just about any industry where a natural ambiance is required.
- 100% natural - environmentally friendly.
- Handmade in South Africa - supports the local communities.
GRASS MAT DIMENSIONS.
These grass mats are handmade in the rural areas and the dimensions shown are approximate.
- LENGTH 200cm X WIDTH 1000cm (approximate).
- 2.00 sqm (approximate).
Grass mats can easily be CUT DOWN to size (see instructions below) OR they can be joined together to cover large surface areas.
TRANSPORTATION.
The grass mats are rolled into bales of 10 units and wrapped in a heavy-weight plastic tube for protection during transit.
- Bale dimensions: 100cm X 40cm (approximate).
- Bale weight: 30kg (approximate).
Each bale = 10 grass mats.
SEE BELOW A FEW COMMERCIAL USES FOR GRASS MATS.
GRASS MATS | EXHIBITION STANDS.
African grass mats can be cut to size and used as cladding for EXHIBITION STANDS.
GRASS MATS | FILM STUDIO PROPS.
African grass mats are used extensively in the Film Industry for cladding, back-drops, props and have many more uses.
GRASS MATS | CEILINGS.
African grass mats can be used effectively as decorative ceilings to create either a beach or bush ambiance.
GRASS MATS | SAFARI LODGES.
African grass mats with all their inherent natural qualities are used in just about every facet of Safari Lodges including floors, room dividers, cladding and ceilings.
GIVING BACK TO THE IMPOVERISHED RURAL COMMUNITIES.
The livelihoods of 1000's of rural women are entirely dependent on grass mats (Amacansi) for their sole source of income to support themselves and their families.
Handmade in KZN, South Africa from Incema grass (Ncema) which is harvested naturally by the Zulu women, the grass is tied in bundles and transported on top of the women's heads back to their villages where it is sun-dried in the open air. When dry the Zulu women weave the grass in a simple but efficient homemade loom often adding colorful inlays.
Rural Zulu woman weaving a grass mat with a homemade loom.
WHAT IS INCEMA GRASS?
Incema grass (Ncema in Zulu) grows in the wetlands of Northern KZN, South Africa. A distinctive tufted plant about 120cm high which is used by the Zulu women to weave grass mats, baskets, and numerous traditional African household products.
AFRICAN SLEEPING MATS (AMACANSI).
Incema (Ncema) grass is harvested and used for weaving traditional sleeping mats (Amacansi) in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The use of Incema grass is popular as it is strong, durable, and yet easy to bend during craft construction. The grass mats are sold to gain an income that sustains the livelihoods of numerous Zulu households and is often their sole source of income.
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WEDDINGS.
Amacansi (sleeping mats) are used in traditional weddings as customary gifts that the bride gives to the groom's family in a traditional Zulu wedding settlement. The gifts are collectively known as umabo, and Incema grass has the highest status of all the materials used for making Amacansi.
WHAT DIFFERENT COLOURS DO AFRICAN GRASS MATS COME IN?
The colour of grass mats is the colour of dried grass, a beautiful natural colour similar to dried wheat or barley. The Zulu grass weavers make plain natural mats, they also liven these mats up with colourful inserts of dyed grass.
WHERE TO BUY AFRICAN GRASS MATS?
EARTH AFRICA has a network of grass mat collection points in Northern KZN where the rural weavers deliver their finished mats on a weekly basis, these mats are then trucked to Durban where they are warehoused and distributed throughout South Africa.
HOW MUCH DO AFRICAN GRASS MATS COST?
EARTH AFRICA are bulk wholesale suppliers of African Grass Mats, see our WHOLESALE PRICES HERE.
HOW TO CARE FOR GRASS MATS.
Grass mats/Amacansi are handmade using 100% natural grass and contain no treatment of any kind. These grass mats are ideally suited for indoor purposes only or in a dry enclosed outside area. Grass mats will absorb water and need to be dried out immediately by hanging in a well-ventilated area, however it is advisable not to get them wet too frequently as this will shorten their lifespan.
HOW TO SHORTEN THE LENGTH & WIDTH OF GRASS MATS.
Please follow the below step-by-step guide to easily shorten your grass mat.
