Stitches: 21049

Colors:11

Size: H98.59mmXW81.70mm

Long, long ago Slavani was born in Africa. It was long before animals were kept in a Zoo or Wild Resort. Slavani was born with green eyes instead of brown eyes like the rest of the family. So his Mother believed that he was a special child and that he would live close to nature.As he grew up,he discovered that he could communicate with plants and animals. One morning his Mother said. "Slavani, I have to go and look for food today. Please look after your brother and do not go near the river."

Stitches: 22771

Colors:9

Size: H98.60mmXW90.29mm

Slavani quickly ate his breakfast (putupap, a porridge made from corn which was ground by his mother between two stones) He put his little brother Mopani on his back and off they went.

Mopani got his name from the Mopani tree which is well known in Africa.

Stitches: 26853

Colors:12

Size: H94.89mmXW98.59mm

In the bush he cut a dry branch from a tree and made his little brother a spear. “This Mopani" he said “ can be use to catch some fish in the river. Mother will be so glad if we bring some fish home." Oops Slavani forgot that Mother had said he must not go near the river with Mopani......

Stitches: 18978

Colors:10

Size: H98.51mmXW71.89mm

At the riverside, they sat down.  Slavani made them each a scary African mask from the soft clay. They dried the masks in the hot sun and painted it with paint they made from berry and plant juices. Mopani laughed with joy and try to scare Slavani from behind his mask.  Slavani was so busy painting his mask that he did not notice when Mopani walked away

Stitches: 24774

Colors:11

Size: H98.59mmXW84.10mm

He got a big fright when he looked around and there was no sign of his brother. He searched everywhere but could not find Mopani. He ran home as fast as his short legs could carry him. He brought his drum outside and banged it as hard as he could, to send signals to his animal friends

Stitches: 20279

Colors:11

Size: H98.60mmXW74.47mm

First to arrive was giraffe. "Slavani, why are you calling us? Why are you looking so worried?" "Oh, Giraffe Mopani is gone.” answered Slavani.  He told Giraffe the story and began to cry because he suddenly remembered that he was not supposed to go near the river. Giraffe said.  "Slavani you wait here I'll go call Leopard, he runs fast.  I’ll use my long neck to look in all the trees. Maybe Mopani hid in a tree from wild animals."

Stitches: 24125

Colors:12

Size: H98.79mmXW78.18mm

Leopard took Slavani on his back and they ran all over until he was so tired that his legs were aching." Slavani I cannot go further. said Leopard. “I'll go call Elephant maybe he can help you find Mopani."" Oh thank you leopard" Slavani said, with tears in his eyes. I hope my brother is safe. "Slavani" Leopard said "do not fear, because fears can come true. You just believe and we will find your brother

Stitches: 21044

Colors:9

Size: H98.60mmXW82.75mm

Elephant took Slavani with his trunk and lifted him onto his back. Off they went. They searched for long hours with no success. "Slavani "Elephant said, "Mopani is not at this side of the river. We have to search in and across the river. We need to call Crocodile. "

Stitches: 20549

Colors:12

Size: H98.60mmXW87.09mm

Crocodile came and said to Slavani "Get on my back so we can search the river". They searched the river with no luck. At the other side of the river they saw something move. Slavani called out Mopani’s name as hard as he could. Then, he heard his brother's laugh

Stitches: 29380

Colors:11

Size: H98.60mmXW90.89mm

From behind a bush, he came out with his mask still on. Slavani was so relieved, but could not understand how Mopani got to the other side of the river.   Then he saw Eagle in the tree. "Eagle, do you know how Mopani got to the other side of the river? Did you see anything?"

 "Yes Slavani, I took him to the other side of the river to teach you a lesson. I hope that you will, from now on, always do what your mother told you to do."

This was a lesson Slavani always remembered. And he remembered to believe instead of to fear.

Do visit again for some more Slavani stories and great designs