A legacy woven by hand
Coral Stephens founded her atelier in Piggs Peak, Eswatini, in the 1950s. Nestled in the heart of a timber forest, it remains a touchstone of Southern African craft. What began with Coral weaving mohair curtains for her new home has grown into a workshop, where more than 50 women dedicate their skills to every stage of production, in a process known as 'the big circle'. Each step is done by hand: teams of local women spin and card mohair, dye the yarns, weave them into curtains and carpets, and finish the pieces with meticulous care. It is a patient, precise ritual through which generations of skill are woven into textiles that carry both beauty and heritage.
Today, atelier Coral Stephens is led by Coral’s granddaughter-in-law, Murrae Stephens, who balances tradition with creative new collaborations while maintaining long-standing client relationships. Earlier, Coral’s daughter Jane introduced raffia to the practice's materials, expanding the palette without compromising on quality. The workshop resists mass production and values timeless craftsmanship over scale. Its textiles, which are silky and alive with the colours of the mountains, embody a family legacy of patience, precision and passion.
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Coral Stephens
