Discover authentic South African design and creativity through unique products that revive the Xhosa-inspired tradition of beading – with a savvy take on a ubiquitous 21st-century accessory.
Man of the moment Vukile Batyi, a graphic designer and product designer working in Durban was inspired by his late aunt and her beading skills. He designs and creates a range of innovative and one-of-a-kind creations including beaded clocks, watches – and iPhone cases.
As these became more popular, Batyi turned to another creative drawing on his Xhosa heritage, textile and knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo, for design input.
For the 2014 Design Indaba Expo, Batyi collaborated with his mentor to create cases emblazoned with traditional Xhosa-inspired patterns from Ngxokolo’s latest knitwear collection.
To see more iPhone cases and order your favourite design, email [email protected]
”Beadwork is experiencing a renaissance worldwide and South African craft artists are rediscovering traditional skills, adapting to contemporary market trends and establishing poverty-alleviation projects.
Whether used for adornment or numeracy, beads are steeped in the history of man. Glass beads were introduced into southern Africa by Swahili traders in 700 AD and have been unearthed from the Mapungubwe excavations in the Limpopo Province.
Beads were used in Africa in bartering for slaves, gold and ivory, and formed an important role in the indication of tribal status”.
Elbé Coetsee / Craft Art in South Africa
PS: Coming to South Africa shortly with a group of US artists, is iconic artist Joyce Scott, renowned as the ”Queen of Beadwork” who’ll be giving workshops to Monkeybiz, Ubuhle and Hillcrest/WozaMoyo while visiting our shores.
Why don’t you look over these sites to get a idea of the scope of other South African beading initiatives, such as Impumelelo, Abacus and Beloved Beads?