Culture an African Look With Artifacts
A ceremonial headdress, a carved wood stool for a king ... African artifacts bring culture and significance to the home
Charmean Neithart
April 2, 2012
I have been collecting African artifacts for about 15 years. My collection started after a trip to Africa in 1997 with my husband. In the lobby of our hotel was a grouping of African artifacts, including masks, textiles and various carved pieces that I will never forget. The appeal was immediate: I was taken with the geometric nature of the carvings, and the handmade quality of the artifacts seemed to tell a story with every detail.
I fell in love with the artifacts of Africa and decided to learn about them and use them in spaces I design. In addition to their rich significance, they provide visual interest and can be used in modern, transitional and traditional spaces. Take a look at how these Houzz designers have imported Africa into these beautiful and curated spaces.
I fell in love with the artifacts of Africa and decided to learn about them and use them in spaces I design. In addition to their rich significance, they provide visual interest and can be used in modern, transitional and traditional spaces. Take a look at how these Houzz designers have imported Africa into these beautiful and curated spaces.
This sleek and modern space includes a great feather headdress from Cameroon. The feathers worn by chiefs and important dancers during celebrations symbolize prosperity and emulate the feathers of birds. The feathers are woven onto a raffia base that spray into a huge circle and look fantastic as wall art. The piece is available in many colors but makes a modern and textural statement in white here.
The variety of African stools is great and varied. Each style of carving and form represents a particular country, region or tribe. Here the sculptural, hand-carved quality of the stool on the hearth contrasts the stark white brick wall. Note how perfectly paired the stool is with the modern Saarinen Tulip chair and table.
The Kuba cloth of Zaire is woven from raffia palm leaves; among other uses, it's used for skirts during ceremonial occasions. The patterns are typically geometric, with colors derived from local plant sources. Here a beautiful piece of Kuba cloth was made into a pillow for a bold and colorful pairing with the geometric lines of the rattan chair.
Here at the foot of this bed is a Senufo stool of the Ivory Coast. Made from one piece of wood, this stool is highly functional in form in addition to having a graceful, simple profile. These types of stools make great benches and end tables.
Tribal masks from various regions are combined for an eye-catching display in this modern, color-filled room. This room feels very sophisticated because of the bold contrast of modern pieces against the backdrop of the rustic masks and sculpture. The Warren Platner chairs in vibrant yellow seem to mirror the form of African sculpture.
These circular forms are from the Mbole people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They were used as currency during important transactions and make beautiful, sculptural accessories when mounted and placed in a small grouping.
Another example of a Juju hat in a vibrant fucshia color. I love how the designer paired this with bold black and white stripes on the wall. This is a great example of how these pieces can be used in a whimsical and unexpected display to create a transitional look.
In the foreground a Bamileke king's stool is used as an end table. These great textural pieces are also known as spider tables. The spider has great significance to the Bamileke people and, like the king, is believed to have sacred knowledge and the ability to solve problems. The king uses these tables during public ceremonies, but they look great as end tables. They are also available in larger sizes that make great coffee tables.
This grand sculptural piece is a Tji-Wara headdress by the Bumbara people of Mali in northwest Africa. These headdresses are worn by designated farmers at planting time during a ceremonial dance. The headdress and dance are symbolic of an antelope, which is coveted as a perfect animal. Placed in an entry this piece is a dramatic introduction and a conversation starter.
This cozy guest bedroom has multiple cultural artifacts, creating a well-traveled look. On the sofa are pillows made from Kasai velvet, another creation of the Kuba people in the Republic of the Congo. In this textile a flat stem-stitch embroidery is used between pile areas for contrast. The result is a velvety, geometric grouping of neutrals that makes a great transitional style.
Do you have any African pieces in your home? Let me know in the Comments section.
More:
Give Your Home Some Global Style
Refresh Your Space With Exotic Decor
Guest Picks: Handicrafts from Rwanda
Do you have any African pieces in your home? Let me know in the Comments section.
More:
Give Your Home Some Global Style
Refresh Your Space With Exotic Decor
Guest Picks: Handicrafts from Rwanda
Related Stories
Organizing
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Home Office
Follow these steps to get rid of the paper piles and make room for beauty and better organization
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
By tidgboutique
Use these pro tips to minimize noise, delineate space and establish personal boundaries in an open layout
Full Story
White
Design Pros Share 10 Favorite Creamy White Paints
By Becky Harris
These off-white color choices include versatile tones, warming hues and pleasingly soft shades
Full Story
Entryways
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
By tidgboutique
A pro shows how adding color, statement pieces and more to a foyer can set the right tone for the rest of the home
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
By tidgboutique
Gain confidence to start your interior design project with this advice from a professional designer
Full Story
Living Rooms
4 Must-Have Features for a Small Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer shares important ways to live large in a tight space and make it look stylish
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
Pros share solutions to design problems they often find in people’s living spaces
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Decorate a Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer offers tips for creating a comfortable space that reflects your style
Full Story
Budget Decorating
Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Decorating
By tidgboutique
See where it makes sense to invest in durable essentials and focal pieces, and where to economize on other things
Full Story
Lighting
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
Get professional advice for lighting your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, patio and more
Full Story
For those who like this look but have not been able to get to Africa yet, www.AfricanAllure.com has a beautiful collection of textiles, sculpture, and masks. And the beautiful blue wire bowl is a Zulu "Telephone Wire" basket. There are many of those to choose from at www.BasketsOfAfrica.com .
For authentic juju hats like those featured in this article in stock and ready to ship please visit www.jujuboutik.com