Nenzinma x TheUrbanative Cotton Blanket / Throw

A striking abstract throw featuring a playful shapes. This blanket was designed by South African furniture and product design company, TheUrbanative made in collaboration with Something Good Studio. Made in South Africa, this weighty blanket, in black and ecru, is made from 100% cotton sourced locally from farmers and custom dyed in the Eastern Cape. Jacquard reversible knit and complete with a ribbed trim on two sides. Use as a colourful bed throw, or keep it rolled up by your sofa for those cosy nights in.

‘Nenzima’ was one of the most powerful African queens from Congo who made waves in the Mangbetu Court in the first decade of the 20th century. Started by Mpho Vackier an engineer turned furniture designer, TheUrbanative team constantly explores the role of culture and cultural representations and visibility in modern societies, with the aim of telling contemporary African stories through furniture and product design.

“The overall shapes, lines and forms of this artwork are all inspired by the distinctive look of the elongated heads of most Mangbetu women in early 20th century history. Along with the elongated head, the hairstyles accompanying the women’s overall look was an oval or funnel-shaped coiffure which ended in an outward halo, originally symbolic of high social status, this was considered exceptionally attractive and powerful and hence the inclusion in TheUrbanative’s African Crowns Collection.” – Mpho Vackier