This design has been given several names across several countries. “Akpirikpa azu” means ‘fish scale’ in Igbo language. It is so called among the Igbo of eastern Nigeria because the design looks similar to the scale pattern on the tropical tilapia fish. “Bijenkorfje” is South-African for ‘bee hyve’, which is also inspired by the structure of the pattern.
The motifs in this pattern are associated with the gravel around a house as well as the texture of a panther’s skin, hence the names ‘The Household Gravel’ and “Peau de Léopard.”
Many cultures in Africa historically used jewelry as a sign wealth, power, and their standing in the society. For example, Fulani women in Northern Nigeria acquire their wealth through jewelry (often large gold earrings, and bangles) gotten as dowry and through trade. In the beginning of the fifteenth century, the people of equatorial Guinea used gold and ivory and traded it for glass beads, copper, brass and coral. In Benin, people of royalty wear hip ornaments made from brass that is worn for very special events.
Modern African home decor brings the beauty of traditional craft forms to life through inspired design. African artisans excel at transforming simple natural and recycled materials into functional art that celebrates modern African creativity. Adolophine has a uniquely curated collection of home decor and art from across the African Continent.
