Hand beaded in South Africa from a cooperative called Monkey Biz by artist Nobom Mtambeka. This cute and happy elephant has his trunk raised up as a symbol of good luck. Bubblegum and fuchsia beads mix with copper to create a cheerful zigzag pattern along its body.
A piece of sculpture art that adds whimsy and interest to your home. Our pink elephant stands 6.5" tall at the height of its trunk and is 10.5" long trunk 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.
