I have been collecting African artifacts for approximately 15 years. My collection began after a trip to Africa in 1997 with my husband. In the lobby of our hotel was a group of African artifacts, such as masks, textiles and various carved pieces that I will never forget. The appeal was instant: I had been shot with all the geometric nature of the carvings, and the caliber of the artifacts seemed to tell a story with every detail.

I fell in love with all the artifacts of Africa and decided to learn about them and use them in spaces I layout. In addition to their rich significance, they supply visual interest and can be used in modern, transitional and conventional spaces. Take a peek at these designers have imported Africa into these beautiful and curated spaces.

Safari Fusion

Bamileke Feather Headdress (whitened) | Juju Hat – AUD 595

This sleek and modern space includes a fantastic feather headdress out of Cameroon. The feathers worn by chiefs and significant dancers during celebrations symbolize prosperity and emulate the feathers of birds. The feathers have been woven onto a raffia foundation that spray right into a huge circle and look fantastic as wall art. The item is available in many colours but makes a modern and textural statement in white here.

Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography

The variety of African stools is excellent and diverse. Each style of carving and form represents a particular country, tribe or region. Here the sculptural, hand-carved quality of the stool onto the hearth contrasts the white brick wall. Notice how perfectly paired the stool is with the modern Saarinen Tulip table and chair.

Charmean Neithart Interiors

The Kuba cloth of Zaire is made of raffia palm leaves; among other applications, it is used for skirts during ceremonial occasions. The patterns are generally geometric, with colours derived from local plant resources. This beautiful bit of Kuba cloth was made to a cushion for a bold and colorful pairing with all the geometric lines of this rattan chair.

Willman Interiors / Gina Willman, ASID

Here at the base of the bed is a Senufo stool of the Ivory Coast. Made from one piece of timber, this stool is highly functional in form in addition to getting a graceful, simple profile. These kinds of stools create great benches and end tables.

KuDa Photography

Tribal masks from several areas are combined for an eye-catching screen within this modern, color-filled room. This room feels very sophisticated due to the bold contrast of modern bits against the backdrop of the rustic masks and palaces. The Warren Platner chairs in vibrant yellow appear to mirror the kind of African sculpture.

Sutton Suzuki Architects

These circular types are in the Mbole people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have been used as currency during significant transactions and create beautiful, sculptural accessories mounted and placed in a small grouping.

Shirley Meisels

Another example of a Juju hat in a vibrant fucshia colour. I really like the way the designer paired this with bold black and white stripes on the wall. This is a good example of how these bits can be utilised in a whimsical and unexpected display to create a transitional look.

Charmean Neithart Interiors

In the foreground a Bamileke king’s stool is used as a table. All these fantastic textural pieces are also known as spider tables. The spider has great relevance to the Bamileke people and, like the king, is believed to possess sacred knowledge and the ability to address problems. The king uses these tables during public ceremonies, but they look fantastic as tables. They’re also available in larger sizes that make great coffee tables.

Carson Poetzl, Inc..

This expansive sculptural part is a Tji-Wara headdress by the Bumbara people of Mali in northwest Africa. All these headdresses are worn with designated farmers at planting period through a ceremonial dance. The headdress and dance are symbolic of an antelope, which can be coveted as a perfect creature. Placed within an entry this bit is a stunning introduction and also a conversation starter.

Blue Tangerine Art

This comfy guest bedroom has multiple cultural artifacts, developing a well-traveled look. On the couch are cushions made from Kasai velvet, yet another creation of the Kuba people in the Republic of the Congo. Inside this fabric a level stem-stitch embroidery is used between heap areas for contrast. The result is a velvety, geometric group of neutrals that makes a fantastic transitional style.

Do you have any African pieces into your home? Allow me to know in the Comments section.

More:
Give Your House A Few Worldwide Style

Refresh Your Space With Exotic Decor

Guest Picks: Handicrafts from Rwanda

See related