salu iwadi’s patewo chair weaves and contours, nodding to the traditional african hairstyle

Salu Iwadi Studio honors african traditions and craftsmanship

Salu Iwadi Studio’s Patewo Chair is a fusion of contemporary design and traditional African craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from the intricacy of the Patewo hairstyle — a term that once referred to applause, a gesture symbolizing support, cooperation, and solidarity. This word was then transformed as a metaphor to represent an iconic hair style that visually represents interlocking hands during applause, which the design team encapsulates with bold lines, dynamic shapes, and rich textures that engulf the chair. Through its evocative imagery, symbolism, and motion, the chair invites users to reflect on the beauty of cultural heritage, the power of self-expression, and the importance of honoring traditions amidst a rapidly changing world.

interconnected steel forms symbolize identity

The Patewo chair is a tribute to the beauty and poetic nature of the Yoruba language. Its design celebrates the artistry and tradition inherent in this hairstyle, while also exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the interconnectedness of the African diaspora. Constructed around a framework of sleek, curved steel members, the chair echoes the fluidity of the Patewo hairstyle’s movement. Salu Iwadi Studio has sculpted each curve to evoke the contours, weaves, and twists of the hairstyle, ensuring ergonomic support and comfort for the seated individual. As each individual member cascades down the surface of the chair, it forms a mesmerizing tapestry of interlocking patterns and shapes, symbolizing the resilience and vitality of Nigerian culture and reflecting the ever-evolving nature of identity and self-expression.

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project info:

name: Patewo Chair
designer: Salu Iwadi Studio

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