RUNDU – Paulus Daniel Siyambi (41) from Masivi village at the border of the two Kavango regions, along the Trans Caprivi Highway, ekes a living from making crafts from wood. 

He takes care of his wife and five children, the youngest being three, while the oldest is 19 years old. Wood crafts are a significant industry in the Kavango regions, with several main selling points at open markets and along the Trans Caprivi Highway. 

Woodcraft from the Kavango regions encompasses a wide range of functional and decorative items hand-carved by traditional engraved skills, a skill passed down through generations. 

“I carve household items like round and oval bowls, spatulas, ladles and buckets. I also produce big items such as tables, chairs and exquisitely carved wooden doors,’’ he said. Just like many Kavango carvers, Siyambi produces a diverse array of items, from everyday household objects to complex artistic pieces. 

Apart from household items, Siyambi also carve and produce decorative items featuring animal figurines (especially local wildlife), masks and wall decorations, including photo frames. “I also do traditional instruments, such as drums and other woodcraft products,’’ he noted. Traditional tools and toys are no exclusion, as that is the genesis of the craft skills. 

Ancient folks produced traditional tools for use in their daily lives some modern tools were copied from these traditional tools. “Items such as walking sticks, toys, bows, and arrows are things that Siyambi can do any day. Siyambi uses local hardwood trees, as they are strong, durable and attractive, like Kiaat (Wild Teak) and Rosewood. 

“I learned from elders who used to do it. When I was young, it seemed difficult, but when the time came for me to start practising, it was easy,’’ he said. 

Siyambi has employed a young woman who sells his crafts at the Rundu Open Market. 

“As a woodcarver, I need support from my community and tourists; they are the ones to buy my beautiful crafts,’’ he noted. 

“I urge young people to discover their talents and perfect it, to make a living in this era where unemployment is a problem, especially for the uneducated ones. I created my own employment and I also managed to employ someone who is now putting food on the table,” he said.