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Recycled Metal
Furniture
Siriman Kanouté, or Atafer, a creative and talented master metalsmith, worked closely with me throughout the six years I was in Mali.
As aluminum began to be imported for use in the building sector he shifted his interest to creating metal furniture for local and export markets.
My boutique, Mia Mali, was one of the few places in Mali to purchase well designed, ready made furniture. Because of our insistence on high quality and customer satisfaction soon we began decorating hotels, restaurants and offices. Kempinski Hotel, Bamako, was one of our major clients. Atafer was the master artisan on nearly all decorating projects.
We worked on designs geared to specific client needs as well as developing our in-house collections. Here are just a few samples.
Atafer did all of our metal work, which was significant because there is little wood in Mali. As our reputation grew, we also supplied metal furniture and accessories to clients overseas. Above, he is sitting in front part of an order for 800 chairs for a European client. The client ordered through our website, based on our reputation for good design and quality workmanship.
Each collection had a full range of products that included mirrors, lamps, furniture and accessories. Nearly all the metal used here is recycled.
These round plastic woven chairs were popular especially for hotels at poolside. Then we made baskets in the same form, then nesting them. From there we made square baskets, all very exportable.
Next we got an order for 800 woven plastic chairs.. This work employed not only Atafer and his workshop but many youth who weave the plastic as well as a network of metal workers.
Site designed by Elaine Bellezza