Mozambique is a nation located in the South East of the African continent and has a vast and rich history and tradition of design. Many cultural influences have shaped the atmosphere and creative works of this nation that borders the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese colonized the region in the early 16th Century whilst the area has also been influenced by Arabs, Indians and other European peoples as well as neighbouring African tribes.

Most people in Mozambique are of the Bantu group and there is a long history of wood carving. The Makonde people are especially well known for their art work and are famed for their carved household objects, figures and masks. This beautiful green decorative tray is a fine example of the talent found in this African nation and will make a perfect gift for anyone who has a fondness for African art and culture or perhaps a friend who has ancestry from this region of the world.

You can buy this green tray from here: Green African Decorative Tray Made In Mozambique.

Price: $72

When assembled together, the three individual art canvases can be placed on a wall in which ever order is deemed the most pleasing. Two of the female African figures appear to be dancing or walking whilst the third holds a beautiful red pot. Each of the trio of women are simply dressed with colorful skirts and adorned with white jewelry including arm bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

The forms of the three African women highlight their delightful femininity and graceful movement. Contrasted with the soft colors of the background and skirts, the black silhouettes produce an eye-catching focus and visual appeal. Placed on a wall in a contemporary interior, this wall art triptych will provide a warm and pleasant accent piece to the ambiance of the room. This will especially be the case if the setting has an African theme.

You can buy this oil on canvas wall art set from here: Three African Women Silhouettes.

Price: $299

When lit, these Swazi cube candles are illuminated from within, allowing light to escape through the patterned areas seen on the outer shell of the candle. These are made from hard wax veneer which barely melts when the wick is aflame. The patterns on each invidual candle are hand made by the artisans in Swaziland, with slightly different interpretations on each one.

Millefiori, meaning ‘thousand flowers’ was first discovered in ancient Egypt but was later perfected in the great glass-making cities of Italy. The glass beads and other items found there were of such high standards and beauty that they became valuable and much desired. Later traders travelling the trade routes on the African coast would trade beads made in Venice as a form of currency in exchange for ivory and gold. Africans were so taken by the craftsmanship that they began to make their own. The craft of Millefiori was therefore transplanted to the African continent.

However, what is most well known today, is the African art of candle making which uses the technique of Millefiori but without the glass. A distinctive hard wax is used instead which is formed so as to create a variety of colorful designs. This particular Swazi cube candle has a green shield print and is around 4 inches in height and the same in width.

If you have an African themed room in your home, especially a bedroom, then this African Swazi cube candle will make a delightful addition. That said, it will make a wonderful accompaniment to many styles of interior design with its rich color and vibrant lighting effects when lit.

You can buy this candle from here: Cube Green Shield Candle from Swaziland

Price: $28

The soapstone these elephant bookends are made from is particular to the Tabaka Hills of Western Kenya. The locals call it Kisii stone after their tribal name. The soapstone is mined by the local tribal community from where it is extracted from the hills using hand tools. It is then carved into various shapes and decorative items that express the flora and fauna of the nearby area.

The Kisii tribe are a relatively wealthy tribal group with origins in the Congo. They are part of the much larger Bantu speaking people but became geographically isolated due to migrations. Due to many wars with the neighbouring Luo, Nandi and Masai tribes which were a different ethnic group, the Kisii tribe were often known as a strong and aggressive people. In more recent times, their combat culture has turned to that of being agriculturalists but their art work often symbolises their historical roots and traditions.

This pair of red elephant bookends are unique in the fact that the soapstone they are made of can only be found in the small region of the Tabaka Hills. For anyone who has an interest in Africa and the related tribes and cultures, these bookends will be a treat. Maybe they will make a great gift for someone who matches this description that you know.

If you have an African interior design theme already then these red bookends in abstract elephant shapes will be an apt addition to a bookshelf or table top. Think of a coffee table which is large enough to hold a dozen books that will provide a central focal point for these beautiful forms. A tasteful Bohemian style interior decor scheme will also be a suitable setting.

You can buy this pair from the following place: Red Elephant Bookends Made From African Carved Soapstone.

Price: $48

I was particularly delighted when I came across this version of the Golden Stool when browsing through online catalogs. The rustic style African wood furniture seat incorporates the Gye Nyame symbol which signifies the power of God to the Ashanti people. It’s made from premium Cedar wood and is individually hand crafted.

If you have a fondness for African culture and decor, then this Ashanti Gye Nyame Sitting Stool will be a great addition to your home. With it’s cultural significance and history, it will be a talking point among family and friends.

You can purchase this African stool for $130 from here: Ashanti Gye Nyame Sitting Stool.

Alternatively you can browse a selection here: Beautiful African Wood Furniture Made in Ghana.