African Home Decor and Accents - Decorating With a Natural, Eco-Friendly, and

[Melba Douglas]

African home decor is more accessible than ever, and globalization has
increased interest beyond that of a trend. African arts maintain a
history and quality that cannot be replicated through modern means of
mass production. Today, African home decor ranges from traditional
ethnic arts to more contemporary designs. And, a significant amount of
African decor is created from natural or recycled materials. 
Authentic African home decor and accents reflect established
principles that are gaining resurgence in today's culture of social
awareness.
Natural Elements with Bold Colors
Traditional African arts, such as basket weaving, often combine
natural elements with bold, vibrant colors.  For instance,
African coil baskets are often made using raffia, a material
indigenous to the area, and are dyed using colors from berries or
vegetables. Colors can range from bright hues of orange, red, and
turquoise to darker shades of burnt orange and burgundy.
African baskets include designs that vary from traditional, symbolic
patterns to more modern and contemporary designs. Often times you will
see these vivid colors integrated with the neutral color of the
natural fibers, creating a wide variety of colorful designs and
patterns for functional or decorative use.
Reclaimed, Reused, and Recycled
In addition to natural materials, African home decor and accents may
also be made of reclaimed or recycled materials. African arts often
integrate reclaimed metal, reclaimed wood, or other recycled materials
into innovative art forms. For example, herdsmen working on the Kahero
Farm in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, are known for their reclaimed
wood carvings. Their handmade wooden bowls are created using rustic
handcrafted tools, machetes, and chisels. Each is finished using
broken glass bottles and sand paper, followed by a liquid paraffin dip
to protect the wood. The result is a unique, eco-friendly home accent
for decoration or display. 
Similarly, artists working in an informal settlement just outside of
Cape Town are transforming recycled tea bags into small canvases on
which they create unusual pieces of art.  The recycled art they
create now provides economical opportunities for 125 people in South
Africa.
Social Awareness and Sustainability
African home decor and accessories that are produced according to fair
trade standards are sustainable as well as eco-friendly,
characteristics that resonate with us in our current culture of social
awareness. With technology narrowing the geographical gap of distant
countries, we are exposed to and inspired by African artists who
maintain their cultural heritage through traditional handicrafts,
especially when many live in the midst of severe economic uncertainty.
Fair trade practices and payment allow these artists to maintain their
heritage and art forms, while also being able to create economic
opportunities for their families and their communities.
In today's culture of social awareness, we appreciate natural
elements. We actively pursue eco-friendly, sustainable designs in our
homes. Interestingly enough, all of these characteristics are inherent
to African arts, both in the present and the past. African home decor
is not a passing trend, but rather a reflection of established
principles that are gaining resurgence in today's culture of social
awareness.
Copyright 2009 ? Amy L. Milligan, bluedango
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