Swazi Elephant Candles
Unique, unusual and beautiful – these handmade candles are almost too stunning to light.
These striking, multi-coloured elephant candles are the perfect gift for animal lovers as well as for art collectors.
If you do decide to light them, these fairtrade candles will look stunning when lit, as the candlelight shines through the colourful exterior wax pattern. Vegan-friendly and unscented, they’re perfect in any home.
Will you light yours or will you cherish these candles as pieces of art and good-luck charms in your home?
Hours of enjoyment
Did you know that these fairtrade elephant candles last between 10 and 25 hours, depending on size?
A unique and beautiful pattern
Each candle in our collection has been expertly crafted by professional candle-makers in the mountain kingdom of Eswatini, so you can be sure of exceptional quality. And as they’re handmade, no two Elephant Candles will be exactly the same.
The artisans shape these candles using the ancient ‘millefiori’ technique, which was perfected in Italy to create the finest glass sculptures. This technique was then translated into use with wax.
“Beautiful things should belong to beautiful souls.” Muriel Barbery
Our Elephant Candles certainly are beautiful, ethical and perfect for those who appreciate art. So, make sure to buy one (or more!) if you would like something special in your home or a charming gift for your loved ones.
As all candles are handmade, please expect some differences in sizing and patterns.
SIZES
Small
Approx: 8cm high, 10cm's long
Burn time: approx. 10 hours
Large
Approx: 15cm high and 16cm in length (including tusks)
Burn time: approx. 25 hours
Please place a fireproof dish under all candles.
Symbolism
In African culture, elephants symbolise strength, power, wisdom and loyalty. In Feng Shui, an elephant with a lifted trunk will bring good luck to your house.
About Swazi Candles – Proud founding members of SWIFT (Swaziland Fair Trade Association)
Swazi Candles was started in an old cowshed of a former dairy in 1982 by two South African art graduates. The little workshop soon gained a great reputation for producing unique candles and started attracting many visitors.
The vibrancy of the workshop, uniqueness of the products and the skill of the artisans resulted in Swazi Candles becoming one of Eswatini’s premier tourist attractions. Today, its unique candles are being treasured by ethical consumers world-wide.
How your purchase can make a difference
Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) is one of the poorest countries in the world. Over 40% of its population live on less than US$ 1.25 per day. Because of unfavourable climate conditions and low agricultural productivity, poverty is widespread.
Fairtrade benefits to artisans
Swazi Candles are one of the founding members of SWIFT (Swaziland Fair Trade Association). Its workers are part of the decision-making process in the company, which is committed to sharing profits and paying a living wage. By buying our candles, you play an important part in supporting this fairtrade movement.
How are elephant candles are made
The wax is coloured by mixing pigments with hot wax, which is then poured into flat sheets.
Sheets are marked, cut and then carefully layered according to the chosen design.
The resulting slabs are compressed, extruded and re-extruded and then sliced into thin veneers.
These veneers are then taken by the candle makers and skilfully stretched over a core of pure white wax and hand made into the desired shapes.
To get the best out of your Elephant Candle, please read the directions before use
– Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
– Remove all packaging before use and place your lovely candle in a suitable container capable of containing any wax spillage.
– Although the candle is generally self-contained, we advise using a heat resistant coaster or similar.
– Burn your candle away from drafts and for no more than a couple of hours at a time (this prevents the hard outer wax from melting).
– Extinguish your candle with a snuffer or the back of a metal spoon. Take care not to damage the wick.
– Pour off any molten wax, if necessary, to enhance the flame.
– Lean back, relax and enjoy! 😊
Karakorum introduces you to artisans of the world and the beautiful stories behind their products. This ethical home decor brand is a joyous celebration of traditional crafts, small business and fair trade practices.
Karakorum is named after the former capital of the Moghul Empire, one of the most important cities on the Silk Road, despite its small size. Likewise, the brand is a small-but-mighty route for trade from around the world.
A scroll through the Karakorum collection is like looking into the shop window of global artisans. Find candles crafted in Eswatini alongside Indian throws, Moroccan lanterns and Guatemalan sugar skull mugs.
All Karakorum products have a special story and significance. Even more importantly, everything in the range is ethically made and sourced. That means the makers get a fair wage, there’s no exploitation in the supply chain, women are treated equally and the local community benefits from Karakorum’s trade.
Whether you’re after a memorable, meaningful gift or a piece you can show off in your own home with pride – the Karakorum collection is the place to find it.
