This project explored Cape Malay cultural identity through furniture design. It was BA Hons ID project in 2019 by Wazier Karim Kara, and extended into a MA Industrial Design in 2020 into the Kanala Stories project. Both projects were supervised by myself.

Overview:

This design research project focused on the design of a Blad en bokkie (trestle table) inspired by Cape Malay cultural identity. The project focused on furniture because it plays a central role in Cape Malay gatherings, it was also found that Cape Malay identity was unexplored within the South African furniture design industry. Through an auto/ethnographic research approach, the study allowed Wazier to explore his own, as well as his family’s, cultural identity. Further research through literature about the history, the craftspeople, and the vibrant culture and religion of the Cape Malay community, together with insights from local furniture makers and community leaders, enabled a wide range of inspiration to arrive at a suitably designed furniture outcome. The intention of the final  furniture piece was for it to be easily recognisable, celebrate South Africa’s cultural diversity, and in a small way help to bring diversity into the South African Industrial Design discipline.

For more information please contact Wazier Karim Kara. Wazier’s industrial design portfolio can be viewed here.