Kim Mupangilaï

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  • Banda Chaise


  • Presented at FOG Design+Art Fair San Fransisco



  • The Banda Chaise’s profile is inspired by the oshele throwing knife, recognized as a high-denomination currency in metal forms among the Ndengese and Nkutshu peoples. Its curling form and locking stone evoke the protective symbolism of a closing shell, referencing its role in Congolese culture as a vessel of significance and exchange.

  • Cultural Significance: The oshele was not only a weapon but also a symbol of wealth and status, used in significant transactions and as a display of craftsmanship. The locking stone mechanism signifies grounding and stability, while the chaise’s shell-like profile connects it to Luba Lukasa memory boards, where shells were used to encode stories and histories. This shared reference to memory and storytelling highlights the chaise’s role as a vessel of cultural and ancestral preservation.

  • Design Details: The legs feature flowing forms subtly echoing Art Nouveau aesthetics, finished in a darker wood stain. This deliberate design decision reflects the foundational influence of African culture on modern art movements, enriching the cross-cultural heritage narrative of the chaise.



  • Details
    Banda Chaise
    2025
    Teak, volcanic stone, rattan
    30” x 27.5” x 25.5“
    76 x 65 x 70 cm
    • Made to order
    • Lead time 10 - 12 weeks



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Kim Mupangilaï ©
As seen in:
The Financial Times, The New York Times, AD Germany, AD Pro, Architectural Digest US, Artnet, Coveteur, DeZeen, FRAME Magazine, Galerie Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Hypebeast, Interior Design Magazine, Marie Claire, Milk Decoration Magazine, Sabato Magazine, STIR Pad, STIR World, Surface Magazine, Vogue Poland, Afrique Magazine amongst others.