1. Woven Baskets
Woven baskets have both a practical and aesthetic use in the home. Binga Baskets, handwoven in Zimbabwe using natural local materials, have intricate and often circular patterns due to the traditional weaving techniques used. Depending on the different techniques used, woven baskets can add both texture and pattern to your home.
2. Textiles
When it comes to African textiles, there are many styles and purposes – both functional and decorative. In West Africa, kente cloth is a brightly coloured fabric originally used to dress kings. Each element in this chequered-style pattern has a unique meaning and today can be found in a range of home accessories. Scatter cushions for the bedroom or living room are one way to add an African flair to your home.
Example: https://www.elevenpast.co.za/products/kente-scatter-cushion
Handcrafted wooden sculptures celebrate many aspects of Africa from the wildlife to the different cultures across the continent. Figurines, such as sculptures of the Kenyan Maasai tribe, can offer an African centrepiece to your home that represents and celebrates these cultures.
4. Mixed Media Paintings
Mixed media artworks and paintings add both colour and texture to your home. Many South African artists combine paintings of South African scenery with found materials like tin to create textured art pieces. Often Cape Town settlements are portrayed with shiny metals against a backdrop of Table Mountain for a scenic wall hanging.
5. Wall Plates
Wall plates are an often-overlooked décor piece in the home. For an African flair, Moroccan ceramic wall plates are a beautiful way to liven up a wall both inside and outside your home. Select a range of colours and patterns to create a mosaic-style accent wall in your entryway to welcome guests – or even on the outside patio wall.
Example: https://www.moroccanwarehouse.com/store-2/p/p285
6. Musical Instruments
Music holds a special place in African cultures and customs. There are many African musical instruments including the Djembe originating in West Africa. This drum is said to encourage togetherness and peace making it a harmonious instrument to use in your home décor. Its goblet shape adds organic form to a space.
7. Handcrafted Furniture
Talented artisans across Africa have created handcrafted furniture carved from sustainable wood. The Jimma Stool from Ethiopia is often carved from a single tree trunk for a smooth natural finish. They not only offer seating but add a charming aesthetic to your home décor due to raw imperfections.
8. Beaded Accessories
There are many ways to incorporate beaded ornaments and accessories in your home décor. From jewellery and clothing to lampshades and sculptures, intricate African beadwork can add colour, pattern, and meaning. As an example, a beaded lampshade in your home showcases the beauty of beadwork while casting interesting shadows in a room.
Example: https://abundantafricanart.co.za/collections/contemporary-african
9. Masks
African masks are often shaped after human or animal faces and take on an important role in certain traditional ceremonies and rituals. These abstract designs were adopted by artistic movements over time making them beautiful pieces for the home. Malawian hand carved ebony masks often include both a human face and animals for intricate wall art.
Example: https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/646934587/african-wooden-mask-from-malawi
10. Unique Weaponry
Africa has a range of unique weaponry that hold both aesthetic value and historical meaning. The Zulu shield and spear were originally used for protection while today they’re most often used for ceremonies like weddings. Together the shield and spear can add a piece of authentic African history to your home décor.
Example: https://www.africancraftsmarket.com/products/zulu-shields.html
As you can see, there are so many ways to include touches of Africa in your home décor. By celebrating other African cultures, we can continue to foster a sense of community. Do you have any other pieces of African décor in your home?
