Handbag – Xhosa

Our Handbag - Xhosa in tan leather, made from a 100% South African Cow Leather, combined with a multi colour tribal design woven fabric. The leather we use, gets buffed, coated in oil and burned through an ironing press to achieve the desired effect. Once in use, the oil disperses into the hide, hence softening the leather from inside out. This creates a 2 tone distress appearance with soft velvet touch.

We also use South African Shweshwe fabric to line the interior of our Handbags for strength and style. This Handbag - Xhosa comes with a durable metal zip at the top for the purpose of securing all your personal belongings inside. As well as another zip pocket inside for smaller items. All NAVA Apparel bags are handmade by South African craftswomen.

Artist Inspiration: The Xhosa people, a Bantu ethnic tribe of Southern Africa living in south-east South Africa. As a matter of fact the name “Xhosa” comes from that of a legendary leader called uXhosa. Therefor the Xhosa Collection inspired by the strength and determination of our leader Nelson Mandela who fought for freedom for the people of South Africa. The man who made the impossible, possible! See our Xhosa Collection Here.

Shweshwe a printed cotton fabric widely used for traditional South African clothing. Manufactured in a variety of colours and printing designs characterised by intricate geometric patterns. Shweshwe described as the denim of South Africa. Traditionally used to make aprons and clothing. Shweshwe clothing traditionally worn by newly married Xhosa and Sotho women, known as makoti. Xhosa women also incorporated the fabric into their traditional ochre-coloured blanket clothing. Aside from traditional wear, shweshwe used in contemporary South African fashion design for women and men from all ethnic groups, as well as for making accessories and upholstery.

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