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Roots Décor: Elevating African Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage
In the heart of West Africa, a rich tradition of hand-carved furniture and accent pieces is kept alive by skilled artisans. These craftsmen are the torchbearers of an age-old legacy, one that is slowly being overshadowed by the rise of mass production. Enter Roots Décor www.rootsdecorco.com, a brand that not only seeks to preserve these traditions but to introduce the world to the profound beauty and cultural significance of West African craftsmanship.
Iman Abubakar, the visionary founder of Roots Décor, has embarked on a mission to bring these exquisite creations to a global audience. Based in Naples, Florida, Roots Décor offers an array of highly carved solid wood wall panels, rocking chairs, chests, consoles, armoires, and picture frames. Each piece is a testament to the meticulous skill and dedication of the artisans, crafted from wood sourced from 80 to 100-year-old colonial buildings destined for demolition. The result is furniture that is not only stunningly beautiful but also steeped in history and heritage.
The process of creating these masterpieces is both time-intensive and intricate, with each piece taking between one to three months to produce, depending on its size and complexity. The uniqueness of each piece of wood ensures that no two items are identical, making every piece from Roots Décor a one-of-a-kind treasure.
Roots Décor is more than just a business; it is a movement towards community empowerment and cultural preservation. Abubakar has implemented training programs for underprivileged youth and local community members in Nigeria, providing them with opportunities to learn and master traditional carving techniques. After completing a one-year training program, participants can choose to stay with Roots Décor or venture out on their own, equipped with skills that can transform their lives.
Having relocated to Naples, Abubakar initially planned to partner with local furniture showrooms and retailers. However, she quickly realized that the heavily carved, rustic style of Roots Décor’s pieces might not align with the coastal aesthetic of Florida. Undeterred, she pivoted to selling directly to consumers online and is now reaching out to designers who appreciate the unique blend of rustic and modern styles.
Looking ahead, Abubakar plans to exhibit at the High Point Market in October and is considering participation in Las Vegas. She is also organizing a private gallery exhibition in London in August, followed by a larger event in November in collaboration with Nigerian-born painter Lanre Olagoke. Olagoke, recently awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by King Charles, shares Abubakar’s passion for empowering vulnerable young adults through the arts. His Art-Alive Trust works tirelessly to develop the artistic skills of young people facing adversity.
Roots Décor’s partnership with Art-Alive aims to provide vocational training programs that will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of young individuals in Nigeria. “We believe this partnership will create lasting positive impacts on the lives of young vulnerable individuals in Nigeria, helping them find their place in society through the power of arts and craftsmanship,” says Abubakar. “We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings.”
Discover the extraordinary craftsmanship and cultural heritage of West Africa by exploring the unique pieces offered by Roots Décor. Each purchase not only brings a piece of history into your home but also supports the preservation of invaluable traditions and the empowerment of local communities. Visit www.rootsdecorco.com
to explore and purchase these exceptional works of art.
Elevate your home décor with the timeless beauty and profound stories of Roots Décor, where every piece is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community.