A good light not only illuminates the room but also adds a spark to our mood and lives. A case in point is the Mara pendant lamp by Ashanti Design. It is a sculptural, large-scale feature piece released earlier this year and exhibited at the recently concluded Cape Town Furniture Week. The design serves as a celebration of the brand’s diverse weaving techniques and styles to create a highly textured, detailed, and colorful sculptural piece.
More than just a lighting fixture, the pendant light is a manifestation of circularity and cultural narrative. Inspired by the vivacious Africa color palette, its existence challenges the modern industrial impulse by grounding design in the human hand.
Incorporating various layers, angles, and facets unlike the traditional round shapes, the pendant is hand-woven to anchor any space you place it in. It is designed for endless color combinations, allowing for unique, project-specific variations. The geometric silhouette uses both double and loose weaving techniques, allowing light to filter through with varying intensities and casting intricate shadows.
The luminaire is handcrafted for both durability and custom architectural integration. The light is woven onto a sturdy metal frame designed to maintain its complex faceted geometry over time. It utilizes locally sourced upcycled fabric offcuts from Cape Town, which are cut into long strips and hand-woven by local artisans.
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Each light carries the ghost of the garments the fabric was originally meant for, giving the object a hidden history that the mass-produced lamps lack. The Mara pendant lamp measures 47 inches L x 11.8 inches W x 11.8 inches H, although the size and colors can be customized.
It features an E27 lamp holder, a two-meter electric cord, and a matching ceiling cup in black or white. The lamp is like a vibrant, fresh breeze that provides a 3D impression with a warm glow, making it the main character in any space. But more importantly, it brings a cultural touch with handcrafted beauty.
