Our Wood & Its Special Qualities
Our collection features two main types of wood; Mninga (African Teak) and Dhow wood.

Mninga is a hardwood Teak, a strong and solid teak, that is used both uncarved and hand carved to give it the intricate look seen in the intriguing mix of architecture and interior design style of the Swahili coast and islands of the Indian Ocean. It is also seen in the culture and history of the Arabian Gold coats, East African and India.

The Dhow Collection gets it's name from the sailing Dhows of the Indian Ocean. Each piece in this collection is handcrafted out of reclaimed timber from these salvaged vessels that have long since retired from a life at sea. The vessels we salvage and purchase, belong to the Dhow family and vary from fishing and pearl fishing dug-out and outrigger canoes, to larger cargo and passenger vessels, which have sailed the eastern coast of the African continent and the Indian Ocean for centuries. These fishing and trading Dhows which evoke a certain lifestyle are also enduring specimens of a richly cultured people from the other side of the world.

The woods traditionally used for Dhow building are Mangrove, Mango, Baobab, Teak, Coconut and other African hardwoods. Moreover Dhow wood is seasoned and weathered over the many years at sea; most boats retire at the respectable age of 75-80 years.

The life time at sea, the salt, sun and wind have given each piece of timber its unique character. The woods have become so durable that they withstand the test of time.

The Uniqueness of Our Collection
The original shape of our wood serves as an inspiration for the design of our pieces. As a result no two pieces of furniture are alike.

Starting in the early days with planks for tables we now use all original timber and nails to create many more pieces such as chairs, bar stools, classical safari chairs, benches, beds, tables, desks and side boards, mirrors and picture frames, armoires, bed and bathroom cabinets as well as suitcase racks, mantels, towel and coat racks.

Our Craftsmen
Our pieces are all hand made in East Africa using the traditional knowledge and methods that local craftsmen have used for centuries. In our workshop you won’t find any electrical equipment, many of the tools are handmade implements unknown in the Western world.

All our furniture is made from hardwoods, safe because of its density as well as its many years at sea and onshore they have been treated extra guaranteeing 100% safety. Owning a piece of hand made furniture is like owning a hand made watch or piece of art, it is a treasure for life!