THE GREATER WATERBERG LANDSCAPE COLLECTION

GW-05: Macalania Nut with Carved Cheetah - Necklace

Material: “Vegetable Ivory” Macalania nut.

These are crafted from the nut of the Makalani palm, a tree that is endemic to the Northern regions of Namibia. The nuts are traditionally utilised by the Owambo Peoples who live in Northern Namibia, but the nuts are widely distributed throughout Namibia. The process of creating the pieces is done by sustainably collecting fallen nuts, peeling the outer layer of the nut, and carving the inner hard core. At CCF, running cheetahs and cheetah faces are cleverly carved into these nuts, which are then made into necklace pendants and keyrings, secured with leather and twine. 

The purchase of craft products supports Cheetah Conservation Fund’s (CCF) community based initiative to help improve livelihoods in rural communities, while supporting CCF’s ongoing research,education, and conservation programmes in Namibia. CCF jewelryproducts are sourced and created by various Namibian and South African women, inspired by and crafted from rich traditional and cultural practices, made from naturally found materials.