This meticulously crafted wooden side table is a profound exploration of Benin’s Zangbeto masquerade, a vibrant and deeply symbolic tradition representing guardianship, spiritual protection, and communal unity. Rooted in the cultural heritage of the Ogu (or Egùn) people, the Zangbeto masquerade is more than a performance—it is an intricate ritual that bridges the physical and spiritual worlds. This design not only translates the essence of the Zangbeto into functional art but also serves as a narrative vessel, inviting a deeper connection to West African traditions through contemporary design.
This table captures the dynamism, spirituality, and cultural richness of the Zangbeto by embodying its physical form, energy, and symbolic depth. It transforms these abstract and performative qualities into tangible design elements.
The overall structure of the table is inspired by the iconic conical shape of the Zangbeto costumes, which are crafted from layers of cascading raffia. This conical silhouette is reinterpreted using layered wooden fins, arranged radially and in a spiraling configuration. These fins evoke the centrifugal energy and hypnotic motion of the Zangbeto’s spinning dances, creating a sense of perpetual rotation. The hand-carved tiers are meticulously crafted to simulate motion frozen in time, imbuing the static object with a dynamic, kinetic energy. The fins taper upward in a seamless gradient, balancing structural stability with visual elegance. This tapering design not only reflects the ascending movement of the Zangbeto’s dances but also creates an illusion of lightness, as though the table is levitating above the ground, and it also allows for the side table to double as a book shelf with the angular configuration allowing for the support of the books. The intricate interplay of negative space between the fins further enhances this effect, allowing light to pass through and and casting dynamic shadows that mimic the movement of the masquerade.
Made from sustainably sourced wood, the design highlights the material’s inherent beauty, showcasing natural grain patterns and variations.
| Dimensions LxWxH | 54x54x70cm (21x21x28'') |
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| Piece Weight (kg) | 15 |
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