EWE studio's marble altar tables reference pre-hispanic rituals and sacrifices

‘altar’ is a collection of tables by EWE studio that pays tribute to raw materials, craftsmanship, and ancient mexican rites. the tables are sculpted from marble and onyx, and their smooth surfaces are inspired by the flat stones used in pre-hispanic rituals and ceremonies, especially in sacrifices or offerings to the gods.

altar tables at EWE studio’s showroom in mexico city

to create the collection, the mexico city-based designers began by selecting stones for their aesthetic and textural appeal, making sure they had the right character, size and quality. the raw and rough characteristics of the stone are respected and end up defining the shape and dimensions of each piece, resulting in a series of unique objects.

altar #7 pedestal in onyx

to sculpt the tables, each stone is turned upside down and carefully drilled in such a way to ensure the final piece can stand stably on its own. EWE studio decided to leave the marks and trajectory of the drill to create a satisfying contrast with the smooth surface on top, which alludes to pre-hispanic altars.

altar #7 detail

the collection uses different-sized drills and a variety of stone to form an eclectic mix of characters; from a pure white side table to a large venetian gray marble coffee table. but together, all of the pieces embrace a raw, unfinished quality that makes it unclear where the human intervention begins and ends. the altar collection is on view at MASA art gallery in mexico city until may 9, 2021, as part of ‘the last tenant’ exhibition.

altar #5 side table in white bego marble

altar #5 detail

altar #7 pedestal in onyx

altar #7 detail

altar #8 coffee table in venetian gray marble

altar #8 detail

image by alex ramírez

altar #8 detail

altar #6 detail

image by tom de peyret

installation view from MASA galería ‘the last tenant’ exhibition, mexico city, 2021

installation view from MASA galería ‘the last tenant’ exhibition, mexico city, 2021

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project info:

name: altar
design: EWE studio

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom