I've traveled quite a bit in South Africa and fell in love with a little shop in the Watershed in Cape Town that sells handmade items. They employ local Xhosa women to design and create beautiful items including these pillow cushion covers.

Each South African Stamp Cushion Cover is completely unique as it comes with the actual original stamp (1954 - 1993) attached in a clear leather-wrapped pouch. These wonder art pieces from the country's history are now able to inspire and new pieces of art; a reminder of the days when stamps were used to send hopes, love and dreams.

There are two "series" available:

1987 Ciskei Toy Stamps (Handcrafted toys by indigenous people in the Eastern Cape, are thoughtfully crafted out of clay, wire, cloth and any materials found lying around to engage their children. The clay and painted animals are especially found around the Amatola Mountain region, the old Ciskei region.)
  • Windmill
  • Doll
  • Clay Animal
  • Wire Car
The 1954 Kruger Park Animal Stamps are available under another listing.

Each pillow cushion cover is 50cmx50cm (about 19.5" squared), made of cotton twill and linen, and has an overlapped back to easily insert a pillow.

PLEASE NOTE: These are uniquely made so the following variations may exist: type of leather used to border the stamp (light, dark, cork-looking) and if/where the post office validated the stamp.

This listing is only for the pillow cover.  However, I can sell you a supplemental cotton-lined duck feather-filled pillow that fits perfectly for an additional $15.

Please message me with the animal version you'd like after purchasing. 

They can be hand-washed quickly and hung to dry without damaging the stamp. If you have other questions, please feel free to message me.