Meet Tuule and Ambbhe, experienced creators of the exquisite beaded Yoruba chairs.
Their craftsmanship is truly remarkable, involving the meticulous threading of thousands of tiny glass and seed beads onto canvas and sacking. This intricate beadwork is then stitched and glued onto a sturdy Willow frame.
Ambbhe, with over 15 years of experience, draws inspiration from traditional as well modern imagry, incorporating florals, animal symbolism, and geometric patterns celebrating the interconnectedness of life.
In the Yoruba tribe, the traditional beadwork is a task exclusively done by men, distinguishing it from the practices in East Africa where women are typically responsible for beadwork.
Tuule, another senior beader, specializes in crafting the main back and seat of the chairs, while the younger beaders usually handle the arms due to the simplicity of the patterns.
It takes up to six men to create a single beaded chair, a process that spans over three months. Recognizing the increasing demand for these unique creations, younger men are now being trained in this traditional art form from the age of 16 onwards, ensuring the continuation of this rich cultural heritage.