In connection with the Southnord Artfest in Stockholm, the Her(e)itage exhibition and design collaboration is being inaugurated on Strandvägen 5. Her(e)itage features four Afro-Nordic artists and designers, who have created unique works exclusively for Svenskt Tenn.
To travel, explore and experience the world. Estrid Ericson’s favourite quote: “The World Is a Book and he who stays at home reads only one page” emphasises the importance of living and finding inspiration in different cultures. The four Afro-Nordic designers who are part of the Southnord x Svenskt Tenn design collaboration, are at home both in the Nordics and on the African continent. They operate in a design world with a rich and vibrant heritage, full of craftsmanship and fascinating tales.
The artist and designers Damien Ajavon, Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg, Theresa Traore Dahlberg and Lincoln Kayiwa carry ancestral traditions forward to present and future generations.
The creative design studio The Ninevites has created two unique rugs exclusively for Svenskt Tenn with bold, geometric patterns, inspired by traditional South African basketry, pottery, murals, and beading. At the weaving mill in the Western Cape, local women hand-spin and dye raw wool and mohair before hand-weaving the tactile rugs based on the Ninevites’ designs.
Theresa’s grandmother came from the city of Boubou-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso and was a master storyteller. Inspired by the African folktales of her childhood, as well as by her on-going collaboration with contemporary bronze casters in Burkina Faso, Theresa has developed a brand-new addition to the Svenskt Tenn family of figurines. This little tortoise doubles up as a candle holder, wise and steady.
In an exquisite motif, artist and designer Damien Ajavon has interpreted one of few portraits of their great-great-great grandmother Ndaté Yalla Mbodj, using a jacquard weaving technique to bring her to life. She was the Queen of the Waalo region in northwest Senegal during the mid-1800s. During her reign she fought against French colonialism and is a revered African heroine on account of her bravery.
Lincoln Kayiwa
Plate Sandra
Lincoln Kayiwa has created a plate exclusively for Svenskt Tenn, inspired by his Ugandan roots and his Nordic life. The platter is made of upcycled glass in collaboration Nomoda “Cedi” Djaba, a Ghanaian glass artist who learnt the trade from his grandfather. The plate is only available for purchase in the store on Strandvägen 5 in Stockholm or through our Customer Service.
