The Art of Fallen Timber: Bowls from the Bush

No two bowls are ever the same, as each item is lovingly hand-carved from different sources of timber, and the hands that carve them have a different temperament each day.

By Ieva Skabickaite • Aug. 5, 2025

The Art of Fallen Timber: Bowls from the Bush

Rooted in South Luangwa, Hubly has been carving naturally fallen wood into beautiful household items since 1996. His nearly 30 years of experience are evident in the delicate and creative designs of the salad bowls and servers, which are suitable for every table across Zambia and beyond.

In the heart of Zambia’s wilderness, elephants roam freely, and ancient trees keel beneath the weight of time. Here, Hubly Mbewe, a master craftsman, has been transforming nature's discards into works of art fit for the tables of kings. Decades of dedication to woodworking produce household items that blend functionality, tradition and a piece of Zambia’s beauty.

No two bowls are ever the same, as each item is lovingly hand-carved from different sources of timber, and the hands that carve them have a different temperament each day. (Image by Justine Kunda for Nkwazi Magazine).

No two bowls are ever the same, as each item is lovingly hand-carved from different sources of timber, and the hands that carve them have a different temperament each day. The core material – timber – is special in more ways than one.

Hubly only uses trees which have naturally fallen due to storms or the strength of elephants that roam freely across theSouth Luangwa valley.

Each item is unique because the fallen tree spends at least three years in the bush before it becomes a beautifully carved bowl or a pair of salad servers.

Hubly only uses trees which have naturally fallen due to storms or the strength of elephants that roam freely across the South Luangwa valley. (Image by Justine Kunda for Nkwazi Magazine).

This beautifully curated set, available in various sizes and styles, flawlessly presents the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of South Luangwa. It is ideal for keeping a piece of Zambia with you, wherever you find community and full hearts around mealtimes.