Sculpted for seating

Inspired by materials used by Malian fishermen, the MO armchair is a pure reflection of an African culture, tradition and heritage.

Part of the Project

From the Series

Fishing wire, nylon and metal come together to form an iconic armchair with a strong architectural aesthetic.

Located on the hills of Bamako, Mali – in the suburbs where a multitude of artisans manufacture domestic objects from salvaged materials such as old tyres, bottle tops, cans and computer batteries using make-do-methods – is Diallo Design Studio.

Trained as an architect and designer in Paris, Cheick Diallo returned to his hometown where he founded Diallo Design Studio, a place where he and his team of artisans manufacture finely crafted furniture and objects from discarded objects or waste.

The traditional traps used by Malian fishermen inspired the design of the MO armchair, made using a combination of fishing wire and nylon, which is stretched over a metal armature. The chair has been highly regarded as a perfect mixture of material, ergonomics and local aesthetic in an elegant, somewhat sculptural furniture piece.

The MO armchair was showcased at Design Indaba Expo’s Africa is Now exhibition under the theme “Africa is Sharp”, which aimed to show off the bright colours and rich patterns that are seen throughout the continent.