From the traditional sailing boats of the Indian Ocean to unique timeless pieces of furniture, each one individual in its form. Everything is handmade from reclaimed wood that has spent its life on the sea in Zanzibar.

DHOW creates a range of furniture and accessories with a powerful African personality, carved exclusively from solid pieces of recycled wood from the dhow and ngalawa.

The DHOW concept originated with the construction of The Zanzibari Hotel in Zanzibar when the two founding partners decided to create completely original fittings and furniture from the environment in which they found themselves. So was born an experimental workshop that brought together Tanzanian carpenters to work with reclaimed hard woods from the old dhows.These were then developed into tables, beds, doors, frames, sofas and even a complete dhow bar.The demand for these products was immediate, and after completion of the hotel, orders began coming in from other hotels and private homes.

Currently our workshop in Nungwi on the north coast of Zanzibar has 25 specialised workers who only use reclaimed wood

from the old dhows and ngalawas from all over the island. All work takes place in accordance with the ethical interests of the workers and consideration for the environment.

DHOW has a local shop in Stone Town which offers both small objects such as sugar bowls, mirrors and lamps through to large pieces such as four poster beds, dining room tables and cupboards. We also have a showroom for Europe in Lindau, Germany which handles distribution for Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and surrounding european countries. DHOW promotes working in an ethical and environmentally friendly way. In fact all of our materials come exclusively from the Zanzibar local region and all wood is reclaimed from abandoned and disused boats. No tree is ever cut down to make any of the products you will find in our collection.

The carpenters, all Tanzanians, have an excellent level of pay, almost twice the average working wage.

We see the export of these manufactured goods as a way of promoting the Made in Zanzibar concept throughout the world and in the process creating many job opportunities within the local community.

The Dhowthey are also used for fishing. Most dhows are known by names referring to the shape of the hull.

Ghanjah - particularly large boat with a bow, decorated with carvings

Baghlah - traditional boat with an offshore hull

Battil - characterized by a long bow-shaped culminating in a head with a club

Badan - a small boat used in shallow waters

The dhow is a traditional Arab wooden sailing boat with one or more triangular sails. It is made from different kind of hard woods, mainly rosewood, depending on the type and origin. It is typical for the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, India and East Africa. Although the dhow can vary in size with a large version carrying up to thirty people, it usually would comfortably hold close to a dozen.

For hundreds of years these boats have been used for trade and travel between the Persian Gulf and East Africa transporting goods. These days

DHOW only uses wood from old dhows and local ngalawas which are already disused and recyclable.

These boats are built with different woods such as teak and rosewood and sail at sea for an average of 40-50 years.

Each piece is unique in colour, style and size, each having its own story to tell.

Materials& finishings

The finishes can be chosen by you ac-cording to your taste, be it wax, natural oil or vanish.

Our workshop in Zanzibar can also create personalised furniture and completely custom designs. The delivery of these however requires a few months.

BedsAll of our beds are made of solid wood and are very durable. The structure is robust, solid, heavy and suitable for any type of mattress. Some models are designed for mosquito nets as is common in Africa.

Fukuchani Nyungi Jambiani

Jozani

Cupboards & wardrobesRobust, spacious, original designs. These cabinets and shelves are perfect for giving an African touch to any environment, from the bedroom to the study or kitchen.

Morogoro Songea

Arusha

CouchesOur sofas are of imposing structure and suitable for decorating large spaces. You can choose different coloured cushions lined with cotton and the seats are large and comfortable.

Tarangire 1 Tarangire 2

Tarangire 3

We have a large range of models: high tables, low, long, etc. Each designed for a given space: kitchen, dining room, living room. All share the charm of carved wood that has spent a life at sea, providing stability and robustness.

Tables

Ruaha

Nogorongoro 4Rubondo

Mahale

Katavi

ChairsWe design a basic model of a chair that fits perfectly to any type of table and stools of different heights, very versatile. Each piece is heavy and practically indestructible.

Kilimanjaro Udzungwa Meru

Rubondo 3

DesksImagine working on a sailing ship and the feeling of the sea. The echo of ocean winds is drenched into DHOW desks.

The original large dhow iron nails replace the handles creating a totally original look and feel.

Manyara

Selous

AccessoriesBowls, spoons, boxes of different shapes and sizes, mirrors, ashtrays and spice racks. We offer a wide range of accessories, please have a look at our website.

Mafia A3+ AlamisiDafina Chega

Workshop and Flagship Store - ZanzibarCharles Isaak Huruzmi, Stone TownZanzibar+255 755 906342info@dhowfurniture.com

Director - EuropeCarsten NeefLindau/Lake ConstanceGermany+49 175 2441811info@dhowfurniture.com

Director - ZanzibarRonny BenderMbweni - Zanzibar+255 777 413915info@dhowfurniture.com

www.dhowfurniture.com

www.dhowfurniture.com