Trimurti Pendants
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Company Name:Ananta Design Studio
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Rucita Vassen and Viveka Vassen
Manufacturer Name:Monkeybiz
Photo Credit:Various (Sune van Tonder and Sarah de Pina)
Project Location:Cape Town
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Product Description:
The glass beaded Trimurti Pendants reimagine the traditional craft of African beadwork into modern functional forms, telling stories that bridge past and present, heritage and innovation. Inspired by the Sanskrit concept ‘Trimurti’ meaning ‘the Holy Trinity’ and understood as creation, preservation, and dissolution - the Trimurti Pendants form a symbolic circle of life. Each pendant embodies a distinct phase: the asymmetrical pendant hints at the progress of creation, the rainbow arc represents harmony and continuity in preservation, while the linear form reflects the clarity and stillness of dissolution. Displayed individually or as a nested collection - each pendant is part of a poetic meditation on life’s cycles - interconnected and ever-shifting. Weaving threads of the past into these contemporary forms, and hinting at early forms of creation in nature, the pattern design reflects a stylised interpretation of the geometric shapes present in ancient cave paintings. These patterns are meticulously handwoven with glass beads by skilled artisans, a slow and intricate process that celebrates precision, patience, and the human touch.
The glass beaded Trimurti Pendants reimagine the traditional craft of African beadwork into modern functional forms, telling stories that bridge past and present, heritage and innovation. Inspired by the Sanskrit concept ‘Trimurti’ meaning ‘the Holy Trinity’ and understood as creation, preservation, and dissolution - the Trimurti Pendants form a symbolic circle of life. Each pendant embodies a distinct phase: the asymmetrical pendant hints at the progress of creation, the rainbow arc represents harmony and continuity in preservation, while the linear form reflects the clarity and stillness of dissolution. Displayed individually or as a nested collection - each pendant is part of a poetic meditation on life’s cycles - interconnected and ever-shifting. Weaving threads of the past into these contemporary forms, and hinting at early forms of creation in nature, the pattern design reflects a stylised interpretation of the geometric shapes present in ancient cave paintings. These patterns are meticulously handwoven with glass beads by skilled artisans, a slow and intricate process that celebrates precision, patience, and the human touch.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The Trimurti Pendants bring an innovative edge to craft through a hybrid process that fuses 3D printing with the mastery of community beadwork traditions. Inspired by the iconic beaded animals found on the streets of Cape Town, the first iteration of the pendants mirrored this process - a wire frame, stuffed with fabric waste, and woven with glass beads. However, enclosing electrical components within the beaded structure presented export compliance challenges. The second iteration evolved into a 3D printed base made from ABS plastic, replacing the wire frame and allowing access to the internal electricals via precision screw-in components that hold the light fittings. This not only ensures safety and durability but also provides consistency in form and the flexibility to wire the pendant for international use. The innovation lies in transforming a familiar decorative craft object into a functional lighting piece - merging digital precision with human touch. Through this seamless dialogue between technology and tradition, the Trimurti Pendants bring new possibilities, reimagining the boundaries of African craft for a global design context.
The Trimurti Pendants bring an innovative edge to craft through a hybrid process that fuses 3D printing with the mastery of community beadwork traditions. Inspired by the iconic beaded animals found on the streets of Cape Town, the first iteration of the pendants mirrored this process - a wire frame, stuffed with fabric waste, and woven with glass beads. However, enclosing electrical components within the beaded structure presented export compliance challenges. The second iteration evolved into a 3D printed base made from ABS plastic, replacing the wire frame and allowing access to the internal electricals via precision screw-in components that hold the light fittings. This not only ensures safety and durability but also provides consistency in form and the flexibility to wire the pendant for international use. The innovation lies in transforming a familiar decorative craft object into a functional lighting piece - merging digital precision with human touch. Through this seamless dialogue between technology and tradition, the Trimurti Pendants bring new possibilities, reimagining the boundaries of African craft for a global design context.
Product Sustainability Approach:
The Trimurti Pendants embody a layered approach to sustainability - valuing material innovation, responsible production, as well as community empowerment. Made from 3D-printed ABS plastic, the pendant forms minimize material waste by producing only what is needed, with no excess or offcuts. The precision of 3D printing ensures energy-efficient production, lightweight design, and long-lasting durability. Each pendant’s structure is then hand-beaded by skilled artisans using traditional woven beadwork techniques, merging technology with human craftsmanship. Beyond materials, sustainability lives in the livelihoods it supports. The beading work is done by local artisans - many of them women from the townships of Cape Town - for whom this craft provides financial independence and dignity. By combining cutting-edge technology with handmade processes, the Trimurti Pendants not only reduce waste and enhance durability but also sustain the growth of creative communities, ensuring that heritage craft remains both relevant and regenerative for generations to come.
The Trimurti Pendants embody a layered approach to sustainability - valuing material innovation, responsible production, as well as community empowerment. Made from 3D-printed ABS plastic, the pendant forms minimize material waste by producing only what is needed, with no excess or offcuts. The precision of 3D printing ensures energy-efficient production, lightweight design, and long-lasting durability. Each pendant’s structure is then hand-beaded by skilled artisans using traditional woven beadwork techniques, merging technology with human craftsmanship. Beyond materials, sustainability lives in the livelihoods it supports. The beading work is done by local artisans - many of them women from the townships of Cape Town - for whom this craft provides financial independence and dignity. By combining cutting-edge technology with handmade processes, the Trimurti Pendants not only reduce waste and enhance durability but also sustain the growth of creative communities, ensuring that heritage craft remains both relevant and regenerative for generations to come.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The Trimurti Pendants are vessels of empowerment and cultural continuity. Through this collaboration, ancestral skills are preserved and reimagined through contemporary design and technology, bridging tradition and modernity and allowing innovation and heritage to harmoniously coexist. Each piece carries the spirit, resilience, and artistry of the women from the townships of Cape Town, whose craft provides not only income but dignity, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. These pendants nurture community growth, inspires younger generations to value their heritage, and strengthens South Africa’s creative economy - proving that craft, when honoured and evolved, can create lasting social and cultural impact
The Trimurti Pendants are vessels of empowerment and cultural continuity. Through this collaboration, ancestral skills are preserved and reimagined through contemporary design and technology, bridging tradition and modernity and allowing innovation and heritage to harmoniously coexist. Each piece carries the spirit, resilience, and artistry of the women from the townships of Cape Town, whose craft provides not only income but dignity, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. These pendants nurture community growth, inspires younger generations to value their heritage, and strengthens South Africa’s creative economy - proving that craft, when honoured and evolved, can create lasting social and cultural impact
Company Name:Ananta Design Studio
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Rucita Vassen and Viveka Vassen
