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Makonde

Client: Midnight Division / Self promotion
Media: Ebony & bone
Project start: 2006
Status: Ongoing

These quirky-looking characters look for all the world like the next mass produced (but in oh-so-limited editions) vinyl toys to hit an already flooded market. But these figures are not your average Bearbricks or Kubricks. These Shetanis, or "little Satans" have been individually hand carved from ebony by the Makonde tribe in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who have been making similar figures for about 1500 years. The project is the collaborative brainchild of Swedish design collective Muungano, retailer A World Beneath, the design duo Sandberg&Timmonen and the Makonde tribe. In an attempt to both refresh the vinyl toy market and celebrate the ancient figure-carving skills and traditions of the Makonde, designs are created by Muungano and the Makonde together, mostly communicating via email. There are 25 ebony figures in the first series, each approximately 9cm high and retailing at 40 euros from selected stores. All parties involved enjoy an equal profit share.

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Please, browse the Muungano Showroom by clicking on the pictures above. If high resolution pictures are avaliable Muungano will assist you with such for publications etc. For more information please mail us at info@muungano.com