Zebra and Giraffe - Stitched Nguni Hide Artwork

One of a kind - 180cm x 200cm

Peer up through the branches and leaves of the tree and there you will see the one who is taller than trees, the Giraffe. Cheeks puffed out with the jaw swinging in a circular motion pulverising leaves.

These ‘towers’, (the actual collective noun for a gathering of giraffes), can reach up to 16ft in height, making them excellent spotters of danger in the distance. And when they do spot it, they subtly communicate this to those around them through facial expressions and moving their ears, before moving away.

Ever receptive to those cues are the zebras who roam beneath the canopy of branches. Hidden beneath their striking beauty and seemingly defenceless appearance is an animal that can turn extremely ferocious if cornered. Besides the use of their teeth, they can deliver the strongest kick per square centimeter of any animal on the planet. Hence their reputation according to the Zulu proverb: You mess with the zebra, and it will mess with you.

The interplay between these two species makes for a very effective partnership, because once the giraffes spot danger from their lofty view, they will start moving away. And this movement is instantly picked up by the zebras who follow suit.

When zebras see the approach of danger at their ground level, they swiftly break into a run, raising the alarm for their tall companions.

It just goes to show that with diversity and co-operation, We is stronger than Me.