Swazi Pot Candle – White Bamboo & Giraffe Trim

The Art of Millefiori

The beautifully intricate designs of Swazi Candles use the ancient technique known as “millefiori”. Millefiori, or “thousand flowers”, first surfaced in Alexandria, but was perfected in the great glass-making cities of Murano and Venice. Glass beads and other objects created there were of such beauty and finesse that they became much sought-after, valuable artifacts.

On the African coast, these Venetian trade beads were used as a form of currency to barter for gold and ivory. So popular did they prove that the North and West Africans came to make their own variation. Thus, was born the African trade bead, rare and sought after by collectors to this day.

The art of millefiori continues in Swazi Candles. But instead of glass, the gifted candle makers of Swaziland use a special hard wax to create their colorful designs. The hard wax veneer forms the outer shell of the candle, which hardly melts when the candle is lit. Hence the rich, romantic glow of the illuminated exterior as the candle burns deeper into the container lighting up the casing. The shells can still be used even after the original inside wax is gone when refitted with a votive or tea candle.

Due to their small size, mini candles do not burn in this manner and both the inner and outer wax melts with the flame, yet they still retail their intrinsic value as works of Swazi craft and possess the ethereal glowing qualities that Swazi Candles are known for.