These mosaic vases are called "Ntofo". Ntofo, translated from the Xhosa language means 'floppy'. The tiles used are Riverglass mosaics, and are floated in a non-toxic silicone base. The texture of the silicone lends itself to a rubbery texture that can be squished and squashed. The silicone is completely waterproof which makes it an ideal medium for a vase.
Mandela Park Mosaics is a non profit organisation situated in Khayelitscha, Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 2000, the organisation employs previously unemployed women and trains them in the art of making mosaics. All of the women employed by the organisation receive training in manufacturing and product development, design, marketing, finance and lifeskills training. This community arts development project has taken an ancient European medium and Africanized it. While life skills and the technique of mosaic are taught to the women of Mandelapark - qualities of humility, pride and dignity transpire from the Xhosa culture.
