Kim Mupangilaï
Design | Interior | Exhibitions | References | Research & Case Studies
REFERENCES
NGANDU SHIELD
The Ngandu shield of the Azande warriors from the Congo region is a distinctive and historically significant artifact. Traditionally crafted from tightly woven fibers and often reinforced with wood or animal hide, the shield is known for its durability and flexibility in combat.
PRECOLONIAL HAIRSTYLE
Precolonial traditional Congolese hairstyles were intricate and symbolic, often reflecting social status, tribe, and maturity. These hairstyles could include tight braids, elaborate patterns, and the incorporation of materials like beads, shells, and metal.
CURRENCY TOOLS
In Kim Mupangilaï’s body of work, Central African currency tools transcend their traditional role as mediums of exchange. Historically used to facilitate transactions such as trading land or animals and symbolizing significant life events.
COWRIE SHELL
In Luba culture, shells were both ornamental and symbolic, worn by men and women around the neck, body, and in hair. Beads and shells encoded both status and ancestral connection, often referencing named spirits who stood for chiefs or kings.
Ngandu Shield
- The Ngandu shield of the Azande warriors from the Congo region is a distinctive and historically significant artifact. Traditionally crafted from tightly woven fibers and often reinforced with wood or animal hide, the shield is known for its durability and flexibility in combat. It features a rounded or slightly oval shape, designed to cover most of the warrior’s torso while allowing for mobility and ease of handling. The surface of the Ngandu shield is typically adorned with rich, symbolic decorations. These might include geometric patterns, stripes, or chevrons, each painted with natural pigments derived from the earth or plants. The designs are not merely decorative; they carry deep cultural and spiritual meanings, often invoking protection and strength. The handle on the back is made from wood and is firmly attached to enable the warrior to hold the shield tightly and maneuver it effectively during battles. This shield is not only a piece of military equipment but also a cultural symbol, representing the martial prowess and artistic sensibility of the Azande people.
Mwasi Armoire
- ‘Mwasi’ means ‘Woman’ in Congolese Tshiluba. Tshiluba is one of the languages alongside three other native languages spoken in the DCR. The Mwasi Armoire abstractly represents the essence of an African shield, handwoven in rattan with a river rock stone handle, emphasizing traditional craft techniques deeply rooted in Congolese culture. This piece features exaggerated curves that add a sensuous and playful visual appeal, and a totem-like arm with a fixed wooden rod for hanging textiles, all supported by a small stone foot. Inspired by the protective spirit and cultural identity symbolized by the Ngandu shields of Azande warriors, the armoire is not just a functional item but a celebration of heritage, blending modern design with ancient symbolism. The Mwasi Armoire is made out of teak, volcanic stone, rattan and measures 49” x 25.5” x 87” and was presented at the solo exhibition Hue I Am / Hue Am I in New York.
Precolonial and Traditional African Hairstyles
Precolonial traditional Congolese hairstyles were intricate and symbolic, often reflecting social status, tribe, and
maturity. These hairstyles could include tight braids, elaborate patterns, and the incorporation of materials like
beads, shells, and metal. They served not only as personal adornment but also as expressions of cultural identity and
artistic creativity within the community.
Currency Tools
In Kim Mupangilaï’s body of work, Central African currency tools transcend their traditional role as mediums of exchange. Historically used to facilitate transactions such as trading land or animals and symbolizing significant life events such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death, these tools inspire the foundational elements of Kim’s creative expression. By abstracting the forms of these tools, Kim crafts a unique visual alphabet that serves as a conduit for exploring cross-cultural identity and heritage. This approach not only recontextualizes these artifacts within contemporary design but also bridges the realms of cultural appreciation and appropriation. Each piece Kim creates is thus a dialogue—a personal and cross-cultural narrative crafted through the lens of inherited and interpreted forms. This integration of currency tools into design underscores a deeper exploration of identity, belonging, and the nuanced interplay between African heritage and Western aesthetic principles
The Mbugbu Throwing Knife is a traditional weapon used by the Azande people, characterized by its unique, angular design with multiple projecting blades. Made primarily from iron, the knife is designed for both combat and
ceremonial purposes. Its elaborate shape serves to confuse and intimidate opponents. The handle is often wrapped
in leather for a firm grip, and the knife may feature decorative elements that signify tribal affiliation and status.
- The Koma Chair draws its form from the ceremonial axe of the Tshokwe/Lwena people, a symbol of authority and craftsmanship. Its shell-like curvature reflects themes of protection, power, and the cultural significance of shells in Luba traditions.
- In Luba culture, shells were both ornamental and symbolic, worn by men and women around the neck, body, and in hair. Beads and shells encoded both status and ancestral connection, often referencing named spirits who stood for chiefs or kings. Shells were also integral to Lukasa memoryboards, which preserved oral histories, genealogies, and cosmological knowledge. The chair’s form pays homage to these traditions, encapsulating the essence of safeguarding memory and storytelling.
Also inspired by the Axe of the Tshokwe, Lwena people
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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.
- 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.
Kim Mupangilaï ©