Chuma Maweni

Chuma Maweni’s distinctive hand-thrown ceramics are a contemporary evolution of traditional Nguni pottery. His iBhunga table is an extension of his Imbizo (“gathering” in Xhosa) collection of clay furniture, originally made in 2018. Traditionally, an ‘imbizo’ is a forum or meeting called by a traditional Xhosa or Zulu leader. His iBhunga table is his first all-timber piece of furniture, whose turned legs developed out of his conical ceramic vessels. Working in collaboration with a carpenter, Maweni carved the walnut tabletop with a unique geometric pattern that took about four weeks to complete.
Traditionally, an “ibhunga” is a council of elders or advisors who come together to discuss important matters affecting the village or community – a fitting name for the large 12-seater table.

American walnut.