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Blog / Interior Design

7 Signs You Should Invest in Makonde Art

One of the most interesting forms of African art - one that we are seeing more and more in homes around the world - is Makonde artwork and sculpture. It is the visual appeal and abstract nature of the hand carvings especially that intrigue people, making these pieces very desirable in both home and office décor.

About Makonde Art - Makonde art has become popular in Western culture because of the fascinating nature of the pieces and the history of the Makonde culture. The Makonde peoples from Mozambique and Tanzania are known for their hand carved wood pieces in the global artistic community.

The pieces are highly desirable because of the high quality African Blackwood (Mpingo) used, and the intricate carving details which are incorporated into a variety of household objects, sculptures and masks created by Makonde artisans. Makonde artists are best known for their masks. The carvings are based on the mythical spirit – the Shetani. The Shetani, like much of Makonde art expressiveness, takes on many abstract forms and is known to represent spirits, humans, and animal forms!

7 Signs You Should Invest in Makonde Art 

 

  • You are a fan of wood carvings: If you love wood carvings, there are perhaps none finer than those from the Makonde. From wood masks, sculptures, and even household items, there is no shortage of intriguing pieces to add to your personal collection.
  • Your home is filled with unique items: If your home décor and design is based on unique items, a piece from the Makonde will fit in perfectly. Add a piece on your mantel, in a display case, or make it the focal point of your living room. Selecting a Limited Edition carving will add a unique touch to any room.
  • You want rare items: No two pieces of Makonde art are the same. The pieces are not common here in North America, and you can spend hours looking for a piece that has a rare look and the meaning that you desire.
  • You are an art collector: No art collection is complete without a unique piece from the Makonde artisans of Tanzania or Mozambique. The high degree of detail and mystique in these pieces make them a must-have for your collection.
  • You have been to Africa and love the culture: One trip to Africa is all you need to fall in love with the art and culture of the Makonde. Having the chance to see artisans first hand and view the intricate carvings and masks in person will make you want to invest, Bringing Africa Home with you.
  • The Shetani has you intrigued: There is something very intriguing and fascinating about the mythology and the story of the Shetani and the dominant role it plays in African culture. It is represented in so many different ways, and the diverse humanistic and animalistic forms it takes on in Makonde art is attention grabbing.
  • You are looking for an out of the ordinary décor piece: If you want to break out of cookie cutter design, adding an African mask or unique sculpture is the perfect solution. A piece from the Makonde can easily become the centerpiece or focal point of a room in your home. Fusion or global décor is beautifully communicated by the addition of a unique piece of African hand carved sculpture.

How many of these signs have you identified in yourself? Is it time to invest in Makonde art and Bring Africa Into Your Home?

Posted on March 12, 2023
Mustafa Salemwalla
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Enter the World of the Makonde Shetani

There has been resurgence in the popularity of African art, especially when it comes to wood carvings and traditional African works of art. When most people envision African art, they are quite often thinking about the beautiful hand carvings created by the Makonde of Tanzania and Mozambique.
Posted on October 30, 2018
chris white
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Egyptian Papyrus: Fascinating Stories for Your Walls!

The art of Egyptian Papyrus paintings brings the past alive - depicting daily life, mythology, gods and goddesses and momentous historical events. But, it was almost lost forever. 

A Brief History

Papyrus was extremely important to ancient Egyptians and helped transform Egyptian society.

Once the technology of papyrus making was developed, its method of production was kept secret allowing the Egyptians to have a monopoly on it. The first use of papyrus paper is believed to have been 4000 BC.

The raw material to make papyrus paper comes from the Cyperus papyrus plant which grew along the banks of the Nile. Cyperus papyrus was not only used to make paper but was also used in the manufacture of boats, rope and baskets. Papyrus paper was ancient Egypt's largest export!

An Almost Lost Art

The Arab people developed a method for producing pulp paper which was durable and lightweight. It was easier to produce but was not as durable as papyrus.

Nevertheless, this new form of paper production led to a decline in papyrus production and cultivation of Cyperus papyrus plants. Eventually, the papyrus plant disappeared from the Nile. Imagine, the plant that represented Egypt's greatest export - papyrus paper - was no longer important!

Papyrus paper production ceased and was not revived until about 1969 when an Egyptian scientist - Dr. Hassan Ragab - started a papyrus plantation near Cairo. But it wasn't easy! Ancient Egyptians had kept the exact production method a secret and had left no written records. Dr. Ragab persevered and figured out how to make papyrus paper. As a result, papyrus making and use is back!

A Lovely Addition to Home or Office Décor

Papyrus art is often used to record a momentous historical event - tell a story - show a facet of every day life.

This makes papyrus artwork not only a conversation starter - it turns your wall into a story telling centre. Papyrus paintings are often so intricate, you will discover something new every time you look at them!

Please take a few moments to review our Papyrus Art Collection. We think the stories told are intriguing and the colours used are simply lovely. We hope you do too!

Bring the past alive in your home or office with Egyptian depicting the daily life, mythology, gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt!

 

Posted on October 30, 2018
chris white
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A Guide to Family Tree Style Makonde Sculptures

One of the most popular and fascinating forms of Makonde art is sculpture – especially.  These pieces have become extremely popular today with art collectors and homeowners alike. Considering they come in many shapes, sizes, and types of carvings, it’s not surprising they are popping up all over the world!

Like any other piece of art, the history and origins of the Family Tree Style sculpture only adds to its intrigue.

Origins of Family Tree Style Sculptures

The Family Tree Style sculptures, which are also referred to as “Tree of Life,” date back to the late 1950s and an artistic style called Dimoongo – one of the eight major Makonde styles.

Professor Elias Jengo explains:

“A style called Dimoongo (power of strength), which a local political zealot later named Ujamaa, was introduced by the late Roberto Yakobo Sangwani who migrated into Tanzania from Mozambique in the late 1950s. The original style represented a winner in a wrestling match who was carried shoulder high by his colleagues represented in a cluster of figures. Some later versions were carved showing a female figure at the top of a cluster of figures. This was the beginning of a style known as the Makonde family tree.” With a history of name changes, tracking the Makonde Family Tree sculptures can be a little confusing for the average person. Dimoongo, Ujamaa, and Tree of Life all refer to the same style of art.

Significance of the Makonde “Family Tree”

Even though these carvings have been known by a number of different names, the significance and meaning of the carvings have remained the same over the years. Ujamaa means community and family. This meaning is also echoed in the “Tree of Life” pieces which speak to a common human ancestral heritage. This is why you often see symbols of support and generations of family. Overall, the piece brings out the community harmony the Makonde people strongly believe in.

Common Characteristics and Depictions

The sculptures, while they can take on a variety of shapes, forms, and sizes, have a number of common characteristics representing the symbolism and significance of the carvings. The carvings typically include:
  • A column of people, with one central figure surrounded by smaller figures.
  • One large figure at the top of the pole – often a central figure such as a tribal chief. More modern carvings typically have a female figure at the top.
  • They commonly depict members of extended family – often representing multiple generations.
  • People are often depicted climbing or holding each other up (representing support).
  • People are often shown performing traditional tasks and local work such as cooking or farming.

About the Artists and the Canvas

Family tree sculptures can be as tall as 6 feet, taking artisans up to 9 months to complete. However, they also come in many other sizes, ensuring you can find the perfect carving for your home or office decor.
  • The sculptures have become popular because of their intricate design and decor.
  • They are carved from African blackwood (also known as mpingo).
  • High quality pieces are carved from a single large tree trunk.

What really communicates the beauty of these carvings is their unparalleled, intricately detailed and delicate shapes, making these sculptures highly desirable. Please take a few moments to explore our collection of Family Tree Style Sculptures. They are fascinating pieces, deeply rooted in history. Bring a piece of Africa home with you today. Add a Family Tree Sculpture to your home or office. A unique and fascinating accent, they are also great conversation starters!

Posted on October 30, 2018
chris white
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