Hand beaded in South Africa from a cooperative called Monkey Biz by artist Thandiswa Qabazi. This happy go lucky puppy dog stands tall. Royal blue, turquoise, black, and white beads mix with a subtle blush to create a polka dot pattern along its body.
A piece of sculpture art that adds whimsy and interest to your home. Our blue dog stands 11.5" tall and is 13" long ears to tail.
Monkey Biz products are beaded with love. As a heritage craft, Traditionally beads were used not only to adorn the body, but as a measure of value in ritual and economic exchange between locals and foreigners. In traditional African rituals, a fine bead necklace or beaded piece is treasured because it is thought to impart spiritual energy.
Each piece is designed and made by beaders in their own patterns and colours, and although there is a standard range of animal types when each artist makes her own animal every piece becomes unique.
Monkeybiz uses discarded off-cuts from clothing manufacturers as the filler material for the beaded animals and from time to time has donations of beads. The
Monkeybiz empowerment approach is remarkable because it encourages the woman to have dignity and pride in their work. It’s based on the philosophy of making artists self-sufficient, to understand business and to take responsibility.
