Trackwood Teak Picture Frame

Country of Origin: Zimbabwe

Color: Reddish Brown

Wood: Just as Canada’s John A. MacDonald envisioned a railway that would span from sea to sea, Cecil J. Rhodes dreamed of an African transcontinental railroad. Though never completed, construction began on the Cape to Cairo railway at the end of the 19th century. Rhodesian Teak (Baikiaea Plurijuga), know for being exceptionally hardwearing and resistant to splintering, was chosen for the sleepers/ties.

Now, these teak sleepers originally felled in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and weathered for decades under the hot African sun are being replaced with concrete slabs. Recognising their inherent beauty, Zimbabwean craftsmen are reclaiming the teak sleepers and giving them a second life. Once the bolt holes which once held down the steel rails are plugged, the sleepers are cut, planed and transformed into exquisite furniture and décor items. Care is taken to retain and enhance the rustic characteristics of this wood whose tropical maturation process has infused the essence of Africa.