One aspect that I love most in interior design is drawing inspiration from cultures, traditions and handicraft. Often I like to think that I hide an archaeologist and an ethnologist in myself - mostly because I am fascinated by history, ancient arts, traditions and cultures. Remember my kilim love? My obsession with vintage ceramics? My apartment is full with traces of my passion. So it comes as no surprise that the new 2015 rug collection 'MUM's loves Africa' from Finland based 'MUM's' got my full attention. They launched new graphic rugs inspired by the Kassena tribe of Burkina Faso, where every building is a piece of unique, handmade art (you can learn more about it HERE).
The Kassena tribe decorate their clay houses with graphic patterns by hand. Their vernacular architecture is amazing and sparked the inspiration of Finland based Outi Puro, the founder of 'MUM's'. She loves African patterns, traditional Indian carpet weaving and Nordic simple and pure design. All three passions were combined for the new 'MUM's loves Africa' collection: The rugs feature African patterns as seen in the villages of the Kassena tribe, the rugs are made fairly in the hands of skilled artisans in Northern India and feature natural hues that are typical for Scandinavia too.
This entire story is even better: Not only these rugs are inspired by a fascinating people in Africa and made fairly by artisans in India, but the entire story of 'MUM's' is based on helping and supporting other women and mothers in less developed countries. 'MUM's' itself was founded back in 2006 as an art project in Africa.
I think 2015 is the year in which we all should bring a piece of traditional art into our homes. Why not such a wonderful rug? I am totally smitten by the patterns, the graphic look and the wonderful, inspiring story behind them. Luckily, these rugs are available worldwide through their webshop.
Here's to our wonderful and inspiring world - against all (current) odds!
Photography: Rugs via 'MUM's'; African images by Rita Willaert
Great patterns! I love them all! And, I love the idea of mixing modern furniture with traditional art :) All the best, Pia
ReplyDeleteSo do I, Pia. I think that adds some character and interest to interiors. Have a great weekend.
DeleteLeer tu blog siempre ha sido muy inspirador para mis diseños, soy Carlos, mexicano y aquí en México, tenemos muchas artesanías hermosas para incorporar en nuestros diseños al igual que en este artículo. Amo la idea de tener una silla Acapulco mexicana, sobre un tapete africano o persa, con una vasija china con plantas verdes y sobre la pared una pintura abstracta en un marco del barroco español. Felicidades por tu trabajo, me encanta!
ReplyDeleteRead your blog has always been very inspiring for my designs, I'm mexican, and here in Mexico, we have many beautiful piece of traditional mexican art for incorporate into our designs as in this article. But I love having a Mexican Acapulco chair, on an African or Persian rug, a Chinese vase with green plants and hanging on the wall an abstract painting in a frame of Spanish Baroque. Congrats for your work, I love it!
Carlos.
Wow!!!!!! Wie schöööön!!!!!!! Liebe Grüße!
ReplyDeleteGreat pieces, I love the inspiration shots. These rugs are perfect for any modern space. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI really want one for my living room :)
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Hi Igor,
ReplyDeleteYou have just made a classic Westerner mistake, completely unintentionally and coming from a good place. It is important to not talk about Africa as a country. Just as we would say French design rather than European design, so too we should say Burkinabé design (the name for citizens of Burkina Faso) rather than simply African. Remember, London is closer to West African countries like Burkina Faso than Nairobi, Kenya is. Africa is a continent.
Also, just as we would not describe ourselves as being from a "tribe," we should grant that respect for ethnic communities as well. Remember that these are not primitive, unsophisticated people (just look at their artwork!) and that is what "tribe" or "tribal" connotes. These are modern peoples with modern dreams, just like westerners, and despite living different lifestyles (them having preserve their traditional way of life is, I think, extraordinary) they are just as sophisticated, multifaceted people as anyone else. I believe that most of us come from a good place when describing other cultures, particularly African cultures, but the way in which we describe them is incredibly important. The way in which we describe others shows the world the way we think of them and it is important that we think of others with respect regardless of our different situations.
This message is not just for you but for anyone who is trying to promote a good cause and support our global family! You mean well, make sure others know it!
Best Wishes,
Monica
I am an ardent fan of arts, be it abstract or modern. I think Africa is one of the creative sources of inspiration we can obtain from and to have those ideas embedded on a rug is indeed ingenious. I think these rugs would fit perfectly and complement any type of furnishings one might have in their house. Regardless of estate type, be it an apartment or a huge house, this artistic piece of rug would definitely work its magic and light up the place.
ReplyDeleteHi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! Rugs
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