Sculptural Glass Vases Inspired by Bantu Knots Offer Modern African Elegance
Where Culture Meets Craft: The Nywele Vase Collection
From Vision to Creation: The Genesis of September Collective
Leslie Rivers' journey into establishing September Collective, a brand dedicated to modern African home decor and art, began from a personal quest. Faced with a scarcity of locally available, high-quality pieces that celebrated African heritage, she took the initiative to fill this void herself. Based in Toronto, Rivers meticulously curates handcrafted objects from across Africa and its diaspora, ranging from intricately woven Ghanaian placemats to distinctive wooden furniture, all aimed at enriching contemporary living spaces with cultural narratives.
Introducing the Nywele Vase: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
The latest offering from September Collective, the Nywele Vase, represents a significant milestone for the brand. This collection is its first entirely in-house designed product, a collaborative effort between Rivers and the talented artisans of Kitengela Glass in Kenya. These elegant glass vases, available in diverse shades including citrine moss, umber, dark umber, moss, and onyx, are a testament to Rivers' philosophy that every object should possess a narrative depth.
The Bantu Knot's Influence: A Story Woven in Glass
The name "Nywele," meaning "hair" in Swahili, directly references the Bantu knot, a traditional hairstyle with roots in the Zulu people of South Africa, now widely recognized across the African diaspora. The design of these vases artfully translates the coiled form of the Bantu knot into a modern aesthetic. This approach ensures that while the vases seamlessly fit into contemporary homes, they simultaneously carry a profound cultural reference, creating a dialogue between past and present.
The Iterative Process: Crafting Perfection from Recycled Glass
The journey to perfecting the Nywele Vase was an evolutionary one. Initially, after collaborating with Nairobi-based Kitengela Glass, early prototypes were a literal interpretation of the Bantu knot, lacking the desired artistic rhythm and refined shaping. Through a series of revisions and close collaboration, Rivers and the glassmakers achieved a collection of beautifully hand-blown vases. Each piece, uniquely crafted from recycled glass, showcases exceptional artistry and individuality.
A Commitment to Heritage: Honoring Artisans and Their Stories
Rivers articulates her vision for September Collective, emphasizing that the brand's essence extends beyond mere products. "This is what I was always building toward: Not just a product, but a piece with a name, a maker, a meaning, and a place in the home that cannot be filled by anything else," she explains. September Collective's core mission is to uphold the integrity of artisanal craftsmanship, narrate the stories behind each creation, and forge a connection between the makers and those who bring their work into their homes. The Nywele Vase embodies this promise, transforming a cultural pledge into a tangible work of art.