UNVEILING HIDDEN GEMS
In Kiswahili, Zuri Watu means "beautiful people" - a powerful phrase that pays tribute to the remarkable people who shaped world history through creativity, art, music, and culture. It is this history which inspired the creation of our first product, the African heritage playing cards.
Future products will include apparel, leather goods, accessories and more collectibles.
Zuri Watu seeks to celebrate hidden gems and rediscover artistic traditions from across the world.
INTRODUCING THE AFRICAN HERITAGE COLLECTION
Each meticulously crafted deck in our playing card collection represents a different royal lineage, transporting you through the ancient kingdoms, empires, and civilizations that once thrived across Africa's vast lands. From the legendary wealth of Mansa Musa's Mali Empire to the powerful Asante Empire, from the fearless Zulu warriors under Shaka's reign to the long-lasting Benin Kingdom, every card is a masterpiece that pays homage to the "beautiful people" - Zuri Watu.
Combining intricate artistic details inspired by ancient African architecture, traditional adornments, and breathtaking natural landscapes, our playing cards are more than just gaming accessories – they are wearable pieces of history. Every deck is a visual feast, finished with luxurious gold foil accents that capture the opulence and grandeur of Africa's storied past.
THE VISIONARIES BEHIND ZURI WATU
Zuri Watu was conceived by Duke Ata, who leads a passionate team of creatives, historians, and entrepreneurs united by a shared vision - to elevate lesser known narratives and inspire others to reclaim their own narratives.
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Vision
The African Heritage Collection was brought to life by the team’s labour of love and authenticity. Zuri Watu actualised the vision of presenting the nuances of Africa's royal legacies to the world through the team's painstaking studies of ancient texts and architecture, collaboration with regional craftspeople, and focus on details.
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Artist
Each card in the collection was designed by a team led by Mark Modimola, a celebrated South African artist whose work has been featured in worldwide exhibitions. Mark's deep understanding of African symbolism and aesthetics is evident throughout the collection.
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Legacy
Zuri Watu's exquisitely crafted African Heritage Collection will inspire a renewed global appreciation for Africa's rich cultural tapestry. This collection transcends art, it is designed to bring people together and to last a lifetime as a collectors item.
