Girafe Kuba
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting | Honorable Mention 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Eco Design
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Peroline GONCALVES
Manufacturer Name:EKLOU Ferdinand
Client Name:Aye Design
Project Location:Republic of Benin
Design Status:Commercialized
Product Description:
Kuba Giraffe The "Kuba Giraffe" mirror, an emblematic piece from the "Un Kuba" collection, draws inspiration from the graphic heritage of the Kuba people (DRC). Its essence lies in the traditional textiles of this people, renowned for their labyrinthine patterns, bold lines, and blocky compositions. These elements, born from ancestral creativity, are here subjected to a formal transformation. The vertical silhouette, composed of a column of interlocking modules, captures the ascending rhythm of the motifs and justifies the name "Kuba Giraffe." The natural hues of the raffia are replaced by a minimalist blue lacquered frame, creating a link between tradition and modernity. "Kuba Giraffe" is a powerful statement of identity. It celebrates African heritage and boldly projects it into the sphere of global design, inviting reflection on origins.
Kuba Giraffe The "Kuba Giraffe" mirror, an emblematic piece from the "Un Kuba" collection, draws inspiration from the graphic heritage of the Kuba people (DRC). Its essence lies in the traditional textiles of this people, renowned for their labyrinthine patterns, bold lines, and blocky compositions. These elements, born from ancestral creativity, are here subjected to a formal transformation. The vertical silhouette, composed of a column of interlocking modules, captures the ascending rhythm of the motifs and justifies the name "Kuba Giraffe." The natural hues of the raffia are replaced by a minimalist blue lacquered frame, creating a link between tradition and modernity. "Kuba Giraffe" is a powerful statement of identity. It celebrates African heritage and boldly projects it into the sphere of global design, inviting reflection on origins.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The "Kuba Giraffe" mirror is a work of formal innovation that embodies a dialogue. It was born from the transmutation of geometric Kuba textile patterns into a vertical, modular design, crafted from lacquered plywood. This marriage of ancestral graphic heritage and contemporary technology creates a design object that also serves as a powerful statement of identity, elevating and celebrating African art on the world stage.
The "Kuba Giraffe" mirror is a work of formal innovation that embodies a dialogue. It was born from the transmutation of geometric Kuba textile patterns into a vertical, modular design, crafted from lacquered plywood. This marriage of ancestral graphic heritage and contemporary technology creates a design object that also serves as a powerful statement of identity, elevating and celebrating African art on the world stage.
Product Sustainability Approach:
Choosing lacquered plywood is a commitment to sustainability. We prioritize a renewable resource whose manufacturing process minimizes waste. The inherent strength of plywood, combined with a protective lacquered finish, guarantees maximum lifespan for the product. This design is built to last, thus reducing the carbon footprint associated with product replacement.
Choosing lacquered plywood is a commitment to sustainability. We prioritize a renewable resource whose manufacturing process minimizes waste. The inherent strength of plywood, combined with a protective lacquered finish, guarantees maximum lifespan for the product. This design is built to last, thus reducing the carbon footprint associated with product replacement.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
From a cultural perspective, the product acts as an ambassador for the graphic heritage of the Republic of Congo. By transforming an ancestral motif into a contemporary design, it elevates African creativity to the international stage, contributing to greater recognition of the beauty and richness of Central African heritage. It also strengthens the pride and identity of the communities of origin. From an economic and social perspective, the collection stimulates local jobs related to the design and finishing of the product (carpentry, lacquering). The initiative also aims to raise awareness of this textile, which is the product of essential and rare skills. Finally, the mirror serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that innovation can be drawn directly from cultural resources.
From a cultural perspective, the product acts as an ambassador for the graphic heritage of the Republic of Congo. By transforming an ancestral motif into a contemporary design, it elevates African creativity to the international stage, contributing to greater recognition of the beauty and richness of Central African heritage. It also strengthens the pride and identity of the communities of origin. From an economic and social perspective, the collection stimulates local jobs related to the design and finishing of the product (carpentry, lacquering). The initiative also aims to raise awareness of this textile, which is the product of essential and rare skills. Finally, the mirror serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that innovation can be drawn directly from cultural resources.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Peroline GONCALVES
