The Inspiration

In developing a significant and memorable identity for Shamwari Townhouse we wanted to respect the traditions and history of Shamwari Game Reserve, its founder Adrian Gardiner as well as the beautiful Art Deco building which will be Shamwari Townhouse. For this reason we found our inspiration in the history of Art Deco as well as the art and political structure of the Shona people for inspiration.

“Traditionally, Shona people lived in dispersed settlements, usually consisting of one or more elder men and their extended families. Most decisions were made within the family, although organized political states were recognized as a source of centralized power. They were headed by a paramount chief who inherited his position and power in the divine manner of a king. He usually resided in a centralized location and was accompanied by his court who advised him about most important decisions. The head chief often received substantial payment in the form of tributes from his constituency.

Shona are best known for their beautifully adorned wooden headrests and stools. Most of the art associated with Shona is either personal or utilitarian. Although they produce no figurative sculpture, they do have a rich tradition of metalworking and woodcarving. “

Shamwari Townhouse logo is symbolic of the Gardiner family structure with a strong leader extending down to 3 children, the future of the Gardiner legacy. We thought it apt to make this link with the Shona’s considering that Adrian Gardiner has his roots in Zimbabwe, the home of the Shona people.Shamwari is also the translation for "friend" in Shona.

It is also a contempory take on a traditional Shona wooden carved stool. A stool where friends would sit when they come to visit – a direct link to the hospitality industry, the friends of Shamwari and the future guests of Shamwari Townhouse.

In the same way that a stool must have legs for support a business must have shared values - the legs of the stool speak of the 3 core values tied to each Mantis property, i.e. quality, excellence and distinction, without which the desired end result and Gardiner standard will not be achieved.

The top structure of the stool also reflects traditional Shona hats, but look closer at the icon and you'll see a “T” and “H” for "Townhouse".

The Red, Black and Brown colours chosen are strong and modern, while tying in with the milieu of Shamwari Townhouse as well as retaining the signature colour of Shamwari Game Reserve at the centre of the logo.

The recognised“Shamwari” font type has also been altered slightly toreflect the more contemporary style and gracefull solitudeof Shamwari Townhouse.

Step into a world of unsurpassed sophistication and excellence.