Discover Zulucow : Makers of sustainably sourced Nguni Cowhide Bags, Rugs & Accessories

Zulucow is a socially conscious brand, producing exquisite, ethically-sourced, natural leather accessories and high-quality Nguni cowhide bags, rugs, cushions and more. Most importantly, all our pieces are sustainably sourced, from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. They are by-products of the food industry, meaning that nothing goes to waste. Every piece is handmade by Zulu women, creating much-needed jobs.

Meet the Founder, Lucy

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa; I’m passionate about Southern Africa’s vibrant vibe; captivated by its beauty, rich cultural heritage and its fun-loving people. I created Zulucow out of a desire to create sustainable employment opportunities and skills development in rural communities. These are places where poverty is rife, with unemployment well over 50%, but where creativity abounds and the quirky African beat lives on.

I’ve been very fortunate to enjoy a career as a TV producer for BBC Sport in London. I also pursued my other passion: horses and horse-racing, working as a freelance camerawoman/producer for ‘Racing Post TV.’

But with a young family, I had to re-think my working life.

“The idea of Zulucow came from a family trip home to South Africa”

I was struck by the distinctive indigenous, Nguni cowhides I noticed for sale on the side of the road. Excitedly, I bought an Nguni cowhide rug, bag and belt home. They repeatedly attracted admiring glances and compliments back in the UK. And so it began….

Over the last ten years, I’ve worked closely with a talented team of Zulu seamstresses: Ma Beatrice, Ma Thandi, Gcinile, Neli, Nomzamo, Khethiwe… and together with my South African business partners: Linell & Carina; we’ve designed, honed and developed Zulucow’s cowhide bags, belts, cushions and home accessories. 

Every year I go to South Africa to the workshop to visit the ladies and their families; to discuss new product designs, and new developments in their communities. I also take second-hand clothes, shoes and football kits for our employees and their’ children.

Impeccably crafted leather goods, made from sustainable by-products of the cattle industry

Zulucow is a socially conscious brand, producing exquisite, ethically sourced products, natural leather and high-quality Nguni cowhide bags, interiors and accessories. People often ask: is cowhide leather genuine leather? And yes, it absolutely is. All our cowhide pieces are sustainably sourced by-products of the food industry, making them incredibly sustainable options, as nothing goes to waste.

We’re proud to create sustainable employment and skills development for women in rural South Africa, where unemployment is well over 60%. Our fabulous team of expert craftswomen are the lifeblood of the Zulucow brand – many have been with us for almost a decade. We, of course, believe in compensating them fairly for their incredible work, and often go out to South Africa to see them.

By buying a Zulucow product, you are helping to make a difference not only to the lives of Ma Thandi, Gcinile, Khethiwe, Nellie, Bheki and Nomzamo, but in the lives of their extended families and communities, too. You are, in a nutshell, helping to fight poverty. Thank you. 

Empowering female artisans to find financial independence

Zulucow wouldn’t exist without the talented women who craft every product. All of our unique cowhide pieces are designed and handmade in collaboration with a talented team of Zulu women. They cut, stitch, and hand-finish every piece. It takes at least six hours to make one bag.

When you buy a Zulucow product, you are not only purchasing a beautiful, unique, lovingly handmade item. You are also helping to create desperately needed, sustainable jobs. You are helping Zulu women to survive.

Gcinile and Nomzamo are both single parents and sole providers. Their employment with Zulucow helps them put food on the table and pay the bills. Then there’s Ma Thandi, who not only supports her family, but her community too. Two of Gcinile’s five daughters now happily work at the workshop alongside her, learning sewing and office management skills.

From cowhide to centrepiece. Discover the provenance of our ethical cowhide rugs.

Zulucow’s high-quality, cowhide rugs come from South Africa’s Nguni cattle.

Bred by the Zulus for their stunning colouring and distinctive markings, Nguni cattle hold cultural significance in the Zulu community, being used for ceremonial clothing, among other things. Each hide is meticulously chosen for its beauty and quality, with any off-cuts repurposed into smaller items like doorstops, key rings, and purses.

The Nguni cattle embody the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people. Their hides, integral to traditional Zulu practices for centuries, to this day have an economic and social significance to the Zulu ladies who make Zulucow’s cowhide bags and accessories.

The Zulu people have such deep love and appreciation for the unique appearance of Nguni cattle that they’ve developed evocative names for them based on their markings, adding to their cultural significance. For example, they name a hide which is mainly white with black flecks: ‘Inasenezimbukane’ (flies in butter). Another hide resembling skylark eggs, they call: ‘imaqandakahuye’ “The eggs of the sky lark”.

Today the Zulus are deriving skills and a sustainable income from the Nguni. This is as a result of jobs created not only in crafting Zulucow’s sustainable cowhide bags, belts, cushions, but also in tanning. 

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