bluedango Bulletin

African home decor is more accessible than ever, and globalization has increased interest beyond that of a trend. African arts maintain a history and quality that cannot be replicated through modern means of mass production. Today, African home decor ranges from traditional ethnic arts to more contemporary designs. And, a significant amount of African decor is created from natural or recycled materials.  Authentic African home decor and accents reflect established principles that are gaining resurgence in today’s culture of social awareness.

Natural Elements with Bold Colors

Traditional African arts, such as basket weaving, often combine natural elements with bold, vibrant colors.  For instance, African coil baskets are often made using raffia, a material indigenous to the area, and are dyed using colors from berries or vegetables. Colors can range from bright hues of orange, red, and turquoise to darker shades of burnt orange and burgundy.

African baskets include designs that vary from traditional, symbolic patterns to more modern and contemporary designs. Often times you will see these vivid colors integrated with the neutral color of the natural fibers, creating a wide variety of colorful designs and patterns for functional or decorative use.

Reclaimed, Reused, and Recycled

In addition to natural materials, African home decor and accents may also be made of reclaimed or recycled materials. African arts often integrate reclaimed metal, reclaimed wood, or other recycled materials into innovative art forms. For example, herdsmen working on the Kahero Farm in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, are known for their reclaimed wood carvings. Their handmade wooden bowls are created using rustic handcrafted tools, machetes, and chisels. Each is finished using broken glass bottles and sand paper, followed by a liquid paraffin dip to protect the wood. The result is a unique, eco-friendly home accent for decoration or display.

Similarly, artists working in an informal settlement just outside of Cape Town are transforming recycled tea bags into small canvases on which they create unusual pieces of art.  The recycled art they create now provides economical opportunities for 125 people in South Africa.

Social Awareness and Sustainability

African home decor and accessories that are produced according to fair trade standards are sustainable as well as eco-friendly, characteristics that resonate with us in our current culture of social awareness. With technology narrowing the geographical gap of distant countries, we are exposed to and inspired by African artists who maintain their cultural heritage through traditional handicrafts, especially when many live in the midst of severe economic uncertainty.

Fair trade practices and payment allow these artists to maintain their heritage and art forms, while also being able to create economic opportunities for their families and their communities.

In today’s culture of social awareness, we appreciate natural elements. We actively pursue eco-friendly, sustainable designs in our homes. Interestingly enough, all of these characteristics are inherent to African arts, both in the present and the past. African home decor is not a passing trend, but rather a reflection of established principles that are gaining resurgence in today’s culture of social awareness.