A Tree of Life is a symbolic expression found in many cultures around the world. It represents wisdom, growth, transformation, interconnectedness, unity, and continuity. The Makonde people are a Bantu-speaking group of people in the southern part of Tanzania and northern Mozambique, who have been practicing wood carving for centuries as the main occupation. They have a rich history that is closely linked to their culture, religion, and art. I can just imagine living in the Southern Highland of Tanzania... savannas, woodlands, grasslands, and forests surrounding me like mother nature’s hugging envelope, not forgetting that the region is among the richest and most important production areas for grains and potatoes, and the main source of timber in Tanzania. Notably, we are aware...
Have you ever heard of the African Baule bead mask? The Baule mask is a cultural symbol that has been around for centuries. The Baule people, who are from the Ivory Coast and Ghana, first began making these masks more than 1,000 years ago. Where were you 1,000 years ago? Not even in the idea of conception! They were used in ceremonies to honor the dead and the cycle of life. You see, the cycle of life in Africa is not just about the birth and death of people, but also about the changing seasons, nature and wildlife. The Baule people believe that the mask is a representation of the human soul. African masks show the powerful cultural legacy of...
"There are two things that make a room timeless: a sense of history and a piece of the future." – Charlotte Moss You've probably seen the African-inspired décor all over Instagram lately. And if you're like me, you're wondering what the hype is all about. I'll be honest: at first, I was skeptical. But after doing some research, I've come to believe that African décor styling is the future. Contemporary society is characterized by continuous, significant years-long changes that generate new habits and customs which, in turn, influence the flow of trends in every field of application. A merge of the past and the future in a magical synchronicity that charges our minds, soul and spirit to the amazing creativity...
'' Interior design is the ultimate reflection of the external world. It’s an indicator of time, of emerging trends and of collective consciousness.'' From the earliest periods in the development of man's craftsmanship, samples have been discovered and preserved which indicate that man has woven designs and motifs into fabrics. The famous Kuba Cloth fabric from The Democratic Republic of Congo, dating back to the 17th Century has gained renowned fame and recognition as a significant art tradition. The intricacy and diversity of techniques used for Kuba cloths described in a latter article, revealed the secrets of KUBA, and how they used more than one technique to create their fabrics. This brilliance has been noted across the world, with different...
Long ago, in a distant land… is how stories in myths, fairytales, animations and productions we watched in the past would have probably started. However, this story here predates film, TV, print and basically the beginning of the industrial revolution. Down south, towards the cusp of the African continent, a landlocked county lies just above South Africa. Her name is Zimbabwe. Bordered by Botswana to the west and southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast, Zimbabwe is quite mountainous, lush with plateau-like geography that is home to one of the world's biggest and most spectacular waterfalls. The Victoria Falls. Source Love is Acknowledging History On this land that is a huge attraction and gift to the people...
