Salu Iwadi Studio honors african traditions and craftsmanship

 

Salu Iwadi Studio’s Patewo Chair is a fusion of contemporary design and traditional African craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from the intricacy of the Patewo hairstyle — a term that once referred to applause, a gesture symbolizing support, cooperation, and solidarity. This word was then transformed as a metaphor to represent an iconic hair style that visually represents interlocking hands during applause, which the design team encapsulates with bold lines, dynamic shapes, and rich textures that engulf the chair. Through its evocative imagery, symbolism, and motion, the chair invites users to reflect on the beauty of cultural heritage, the power of self-expression, and the importance of honoring traditions amidst a rapidly changing world.

salu iwadi's patewo chair weaves and contours, nodding to the traditional african hairstyle
all images courtesy of Salu Iwadi Studio

 

 

interconnected steel forms symbolize identity

 

The Patewo chair is a tribute to the beauty and poetic nature of the Yoruba language. Its design celebrates the artistry and tradition inherent in this hairstyle, while also exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the interconnectedness of the African diaspora. Constructed around a framework of sleek, curved steel members, the chair echoes the fluidity of the Patewo hairstyle’s movement. Salu Iwadi Studio has sculpted each curve to evoke the contours, weaves, and twists of the hairstyle, ensuring ergonomic support and comfort for the seated individual. As each individual member cascades down the surface of the chair, it forms a mesmerizing tapestry of interlocking patterns and shapes, symbolizing the resilience and vitality of Nigerian culture and reflecting the ever-evolving nature of identity and self-expression.

salu iwadi's patewo chair weaves and contours, nodding to the traditional african hairstyle
Patewo Chair draws inspiration from the intricacy of the Patewo hairstyle

salu iwadi's patewo chair weaves and contours, nodding to the traditional african hairstyle
bold lines, dynamic shapes, and rich textures characterize the chair

salu iwadi's patewo chair weaves and contours, nodding to the traditional african hairstyle
constructed around a framework of sleek, curved steel members, the chair echoes the hairstyle’s fluidity

 

 

salu iwadi's patewo chair weaves and contours, nodding to the traditional african hairstyle
as each member cascades down the surface, it forms a tapestry of interlocking patterns and shapes

patewo chair 6

patewo chair 5
the project encapsulates the resilience and vitality of Nigerian culture

 

 

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project info:

 

name: Patewo Chair
designer: Salu Iwadi 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: ravail khan | designboom