South Africa is home to one of the largest Indian populations outside India, with Durban recognized as a hub of Indian culture. Designer Shaakira Jassat, raised in a South African Muslim household with Indian roots, reflects on her cultural identity, shaped by her community and family traditions.
Jassat’s ancestors were among Indians brought to South Africa during colonial times, initially as indentured laborers or migrants fleeing hardships in India. Over generations, they preserved their heritage while adapting to African landscapes. Indian cuisine, a cornerstone of cultural expression, integrated local ingredients, influencing both Indian and African dishes.
Inspired by these histories, Jassat’s Familiar Forms tableware collection embodies the fusion of South African Indian identity. Handmade pieces in red clay echo African soils, traditional Indian utensils, and shared cooking practices like outdoor fire cooking. The copper embellishments and earthy glazes used in the collection celebrate the natural elements. The tableware range features items such as red clay handheld cups with copper detailing, inspired by traditional Indian diya lamps and designed to honor water—a precious resource in both India and South Africa. Their wide, flat bases connect them to the floor, reflecting Islamic dining traditions that emphasize humility and mindfulness. Merging the collective experiences, also included in the range are bowls elevated on three legs, a nod to the South African potjie pot, originally introduced by Dutch colonizers and adapted into local cooking traditions. These pieces celebrate outdoor cooking, a shared cultural practice in South Africa, while highlighting the blending of Indian and African influences.
The inaugural Familiar Forms tableware collection reflects the essence of South African Indian identity. It highlights food as a vital bridge, preserving cultural heritage while adapting to and evolving within a new local context.
