This design is inspired by the printed Pakhamani fabrics from Durban, South Africa. Pakhamani Fabrics grew out of a self-help project started by sculptor Gem Melville in the 1980's. Women who have no other means of support are encouraged to use their artistic ability in the design and printing of richly patterned, vibrantly coloured cloth. Cotton fabric is painted with dyes mixed with sorghum paste. the fabric is baked at a very high temperature, then the paste is scraped off. Pakhamani designs draw upon the rich and varied symbols of life in the KwaZulu-Natal area.