Artefacts Confiscated

Source: The Herald (Harare)

Date: 23 October 2007

Author: Anon

The Forestry Commission has intensified efforts to curb deforestation in Mashonaland East Province through the confiscation of artefacts made from indigenous trees.

Some of the confiscated art products include Nyaminyami walking sticks, traditional drums, birds and animal sculpture, as well as mortars and pestles (maturi nemitswi).

Acting provincial forestry extension manager Mrs Lizzie Mbozi said they confiscated the artefacts from Mountview - along the Harare-Mutare Road - where they are being sold to motorists and the Macheke farming area. "We are not stopping people from producing wooden artefacts, but they must have permits to harvest indigenous trees and also permits from local authorities for selling them," said Mrs Mbozi. She said all those selling the artefacts fled from the scene leaving their wares behind.

Mrs Mbozi said they were now waiting for a disposal order from the magistrates' court to auction the items.