When we think of how we’re going to decorate our homes in Christmas essence, our minds easily race to our plastic Christmas trees, the same Christmas ornaments we’ve been using for years, and the lights which just aren’t offering the same sparkle that they once did.
Perhaps you’re looking to journey onwards and broaden your decorative eye. The good news is that said journey won’t be too far from home at all, and if anything embodies our greater African home entirely.
The V&A Waterfront in 2019 already decided to embrace Christmas imaginings under the African sun when they moved away from traditional festive season creations to an Afro-centric festive underpinning.
The Joy from Africa to the World collection is a gorgeous celebration of locally designed and produced art decor – shared in an atmosphere of authentic story-telling.
Beyond the beauty of an African Christmas, there are other elements that simply spruce up the festivities to the max.
Weaved in between the hand-crafted imaginings is an effort toward sustainability. Many of the creations that might live in your home this December were made using recycled materials. 187 crafters, designers and engineers from five African Countries, used approximately 2 800 repurposed plastic bottles and oil barrels to create the spirit of a sustainable Christmas.
Beyond this – the initiative also has roots in community upliftment by creating employment.
“The spirit of this campaign has touched so many lives, that the ethos with which it exists has influenced our general way of being, encouraging us to be better people and do better business. We have seen the creative possibilities that emerge when a neighbourhood such as ours embraces the communities and diverse cultures that exist right on our doorstep, and we hope to inspire others to do the same,” says the V&A.
Last but not least, the display includes the 100 Beautiful Baskets showcase – of which the number of weaved beauties is actually 1500.
These baskets are drenched in African inspiration beyond South Africa, including Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Basket display will make its’ debut on Wednesday, November 24.
From wire-art to hand-crafted decor and the overall infusion of creative upliftment, the Joy from Africa to the World might just have the festive gift you’ve been looking for – right around the corner.
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Picture: V&A
