Design: Mabeo Furniture Inspired by Botswana’s Culture and Craftwork

Mabeo [Botswana]

A firm belief in good design, high-quality craftsmanship, the use of sustainable raw materials and people development as the building blocks to success has seen Gabarone-based, Mabeo manufactures its furniture for large commercial and hospitality projects throughout Botswana for the last ten years. Producing beautifully crafted furniture, the company founded by Peter Mabeo is now beginning to make its way into the international marketplace. Through collaborating with international designers, Mabeo’s everyday objects are contemporary and functional, taking inspiration from Botswana’s culture and craftwork. Simple yet fluid in form, examples of Mabeo’s work can be seen in the ‘Naledi’ (meaning star) table made from sustainable hardwoods and has a star shape pattern woven on the surface using telephone wires, inspired by local basket weaving techniques; and the ‘ThuThu’ (meaning mushroom) stool inspired by the traditional stools of Africa.

[Image credits: top, Naledi table; bottom ThuThu Stools – Mabeo]

Mabeo has exhibited at Design Week Milano, in addition to 100% Design in London as well as being a regular exhibitor at International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York City where the company was bestowed with the ‘Editors Choice Award for Best Craftsmanship’ in 2006 and 2008. Mabeo has been working with the North South Project, a programme built upon the philosophy of collaboration and contribution from a wide range of participants. Each collection produced by those involved is not only intended to be desirable in the marketplace,but also to be economically, ecologically, aesthetically and culturally sustainable. The North South Project has seen Mabeo collaborate with Toronto-based designer Patti Johnson in producing the Maun Windsor Chair.

[Image credit: Mabeo, Maun Windsor Chairs – North South Project]

Mabeo’s work is a testament to the skill and pride the craftsmen take in producing their creations.

Additional details:
For further information visit: www.mabeofurniture.com
To find out more about the North South Project visit: www.northsouthproject.com