Dive into African art and culture by exploring a carefully curated selection of African handcrafted items for your home. Going beyond the stereotypes often associated with African decoration or handicrafts, these unique handmade pieces by African creators bring an authentic and charming touch to your interior. Additionally, they support local artisans and preserve ancestral traditions. Discover our selection of the 10 most iconic African handcrafted products.
- African Handcrafted Products: Cushions
African cushion covers, with their high-quality fabrics and vibrant patterns, bring charm and originality to your interior. Handwoven by craftsmen, these fabrics offer a unique artisanal touch and provide an easy way to add a touch of exoticism to your living space.
Choose the Boliba indigo cushion cover or the Doka ecru cushion cover made with African bogolan fabric. These are two dazzling examples of Malian craftsmanship, perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your living room or bedroom.
Tip: I recommend mixing and matching different patterns and textures to create an ethnic, tribal, and dynamic look. Cushions can also be used to create cozy reading corners or peaceful meditation spaces.
- Throws
There's nothing like a soft and fluffy throw to wrap yourself in warmth during chilly winter or summer nights. The Têré throw, carefully handmade by Malian artisans in West Africa, is not only functional but also original and aesthetic. It adds a touch of color and comfort to your decor.
Tip: I recommend draping the throw over the back of a rattan armchair or at the foot of your bed for an even cozier and more inviting atmosphere. You can also use it as a sofa throw for a casual, ethnic, and elegant look.
- Curtains
Curtains are not only functional but also a key element of interior decoration. The Djama curtain, crafted with care by hand-weaving techniques from West Africa, adds elegance and sophistication to any room in your home.
Tip: Opt for cotton or linen curtains for a natural and airy look. You can also choose patterns inspired by African art for an extra touch of character.
- Rugs
African rugs, woven and dyed with care by artisans from Central Africa, from natural fibers are beautiful, authentic, ethnic and durable. The geometric patterns inspired in black and white will bring you originality. The raffia rug with patterns inspired by African fabrics adds an artistic dimension to your floor.
Tip: I recommend using a rug as a focal point of your room by choosing original colors and patterns that complement the rest of your ethnic decor. Natural materials such as jute, rush, and sisal can also adapt well to ethnic decor. Smaller rugs can also be used to define spaces in open-plan rooms.
- Vases and Baskets
Handmade terracotta vases and woven baskets are versatile and beautiful accessories. They add texture and color to your interior decor subtly. Use vases, pottery, and baskets to display fresh or dried flowers or as decorative storage elements, which is a great idea.
Tip: Create spectacular floral arrangements by mixing local flowers with exotic foliage. Place baskets or wicker near the entrance to store keys and essentials. This will add an ethnic style touch to your decor.
- Chairs and Stools
Bamboo wooden chairs or carved stools are both practical and aesthetic. They add elegance, authenticity, and originality to your home. Palaver chairs, with their unique designs and intricate details, are a popular choice for creating an authentic, ethnic, and welcoming atmosphere in your living room.
Tip: I recommend using matching or mismatched chairs or stools from African designers or craftsmanship around a coffee table to create a comfortable and convivial seating area. Add cushions for more comfort and style.
- Coffee Tables
The coffee table is often the centerpiece of the living room, so why not choose one that reflects your love for African handmade products? Opt for a handcrafted drum-shaped coffee table with natural materials such as mango wood for a unique character touch.
Tip: choose a coffee table in mango wood or different sizes for an even more sophisticated look. Add decorative accessories such as candles or sculptures to complete the ethnic look.
- Frames
For wall decoration, frames are an easy and affordable way to display travel memories or local artwork. Opt for wall frames inspired by African craftsmanship for an extra ethnic style touch.
Tip: create an art gallery wall by mixing frames of different sizes, shapes, or materials. Add decorative elements such as masks or sculptures for a dynamic visual effect.
- Masks
African masks are iconic pieces of African art, made of terracotta or hand-carved wood. They symbolize beauty and spirituality. Add an exotic touch to your decor by displaying a collection of masks or miniature figurines on a wall or shelf.
Tip: I recommend creating a mural African mask gallery by mixing masks of different shapes, sizes, and styles. Hang them at different levels for a dramatic, chic, ethnic decorative visual effect.
- Statues
African statues or figurines are unique decorative objects. They add an ethnic character touch and mystery to your interior. Opt for statues representing symbolic figures of African culture. This will allow you to obtain an authentic touch. You can opt for an African woman figurine, elephants, giraffes, etc.
Tip: Place the ebony sculpture or figurine on shelves, side tables, or consoles to add height and dimension to your ethnic decor.
In conclusion, African handmade products are more than just decorative objects. They tell a story, transmit traditions, and add a cultural and ethnic dimension to your home. When selecting African handmade products, opt for craftsmanship quality, authenticity, and fair trade. This will allow you to integrate unique pieces into your interior.
From this, you are sure to bring refined and chic ethnic decoration to your interior.
To add an original, authentic, and beautiful touch to your interior decoration, explore the diversity of Malian textiles on Maison Assa. Discover our authentic collection and be inspired by these unique textile treasures.
Create an interior that tells a story and share your experience with us.